Bonnie J. Svare

1922 - 2021

Bonnie J. Svare

Bonnie Jean Svare died on Mother's Day, May 9, 2021. Bonnie died one-month shy of her 99th birthday. Bonnie was born in Picabo, Idaho on June 6, 1922, to William R. and Margaret A. Ward Patterson. Bonnie was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, teacher and friend. She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her and an incredible woman.

Preceding Bonnie in death were her parents; her sister Mary Bonewell; her two brothers Robert and William Patterson; sister-in-laws Dorothy and Jewell Patterson; and Bonnie's two sons, Brock Willett and Kurt Svare. Surviving Bonnie are her grandchildren Erik Svare, Megan Svare Clarke and Adam Willett; great grandchildren Koyuki, Kia, Keb, Jesse, Samantha and Orion; nephews and nieces Jack Bonewell, Jim Olson, Letha Beadnell (deceased), Barbara Patterson and Kathleen Swanson; daughter-in-law Mary Willett.

After 16 years of learning and waiting tables in the summer during haying/thatching seasons at her parent's ranch, Bonnie was off to the University of Idaho, Southern Branch in Pocatello. She returned home after her first year to find her first salaried job in the largest grocery/dry goods store in the largest Idaho town in Wood River Valley and renewed her work again the next summer.

After completing classes at Idaho State for a teaching certificate, she taught school in another small Idaho community. Upon completion of that year and because it was wartime, Bonnie joined her sister Mary in the Portland shipyards for summer employment. Not content, she moved to Boise where she spent part of the summer and fall with friends. From there she moved to Sacramento where she worked as civilian employee at McClelland Air Force Base. After a year, she moved back to Boise and then to Pocatello where she worked at the First Security Bank. In 1944, her 22nd birthday and D Day happened on the same day, which prompted her to join the Navy as a Wave in the Hospital Corps and serving 14 months until the end of the war. She returned home the following year and taught school at the one-room school she attended as a child. Next, a second marriage and another home in Seattle and Pocatello, she graduated with an education degree, which opened doors for teaching in the Pocatello Elementary Schools. She continued to teach there until the family moved to Reno in 1956, where she began her 18-year career at Vaughn Junior High School. During that time, she attended the University of Nevada, Reno where she earned an additional degree in Counseling. Bonnie was active in school organizations: Alpha Delta Kappa, Washoe County Teachers Association, Guidance and Counselor Associations, and Reading Association serving as their president. She continued her passion for teaching at Reed High School and retired from there in 1983.

After retirement, Bonnie enjoyed traveling until 1992 when she suffered a major stroke followed by years of physical therapy. During this time, Bonnie continued her positive and upbeat attitude through years of challenges.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Terry Rusk and Mary Willett who provided guidance and support through Bonnie's final years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Marjorie L. Peterson (Bonnie's best friend) Foundation at the University of Nevada, Reno to support education or a charity of your choice. Cremation will be through Ross, Burke and Knobel Mortuary.

A private celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.