Madeline Bonomo

1939 - 2025

BORN

1939

DIED

2025

Madeline Bonomo Obituary

Madeline Briest Bonomo

1939-2025

St. George, Utah-Madeline Briest Bonomo was born on May 14, 1939 in Helper, Utah to Henry and Marge Briest alongside her womb mate Marilyn. Although making her earthly debut as a scrawny underweight twin she determinedly took her place on the world stage after taking her first breath and stood tall until the dastardly demon called dementia snatched her life away on November 7, 2025 at the age of 86.

While growing up in Helper, Utah, her nine siblings ( Lela, Barbara, Bonnie, Don, Nick, Stevie, Marilyn, Arlene and Sheri) undoubtably nurtured her inclination to hold her own ground and helped shape her amusing sarcasm, wit and stoicism against life's challenges.

Madeline married Chuck Bonomo, a union which endured 65 years until his death in 2023. They were the parents of four children: Catherine, Elaina, Phil and Sonny.

In addition to surviving a low birth weight long before the advent of neo-natal ICUs, Madeline's next challenge came in the form of childhood polio. Furthermore, her adult life gifted her with a below the knee amputation. Ironically, both of these obstacles attempted to rob her of the ability to ambulate yet she conquered both and pragmatically walked on.

Much of Madeline's life enjoyment centered around cooking, especially Sunday manicotti, and playing referee to her many grandchildren both in and out of the backyard pool. Her predilection for a spotless well organized home was an endearing established obsession of hers well known to family and friends. In fact, it was not uncommon when Madeline visited your home to clean your windows while restraining herself from washing your dishes or vacuuming.

Madeline was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck; parents Henry and Margie; siblings Lela Burton, Barbara Maldonado, Bonnie Paur, Don Nelson, Stevie Briest and sons-in law Mike Cordell and Rick Defa.

Madeline is survived by her children; Catherine Bonomo M.D., Elaina Defa, Phil Bonomo (Christy), Sonny Bonomo (Lindsay); grandchildren: Charlie Cordell, (Ashley), Gianni Jewkes (Jessica), Nick Defa, Austin Defa (Cortnie), Jenica Mills (Kash), Jade Bonomo (Sean), Quinton Bonomo, Koby Bonomo (McKenzie); 14 great-grandchildren with one the way; 4 great-great-grandchildren; brother Nick Nelson; sisters Marilyn Bell (Boyd), Arlene Roberson, Sheri Reay (Paul) and sister-in-law Marie Lynn Gunderson.

"Though she be little, she is fierce!" - William Shakespeare

Madeline will be laid to rest in Price City Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date in the spring.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune, The Salt Lake Tribune from Nov. 10 to Nov. 19, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Madeline Bonomo

7 Entries

Jade

Yesterday

Phil and Chris

Yesterday

Some of the party´s at capital hill! We love you and miss you Mom(sophi)

Jenica

Yesterday

These are just a few photos. Some of my favorites. The one with the black on her is when she almost burned down the kitchen on thanksgiving. Haha. I have lots of great memories with her and spending tons of time of there. Lots of great Sunday dinner and time at the pool of course. RIP Sophie.

Sheri Reay

November 12, 2025

Madeline was an athlete, an amazing gymnast and the cutest little cheerleader you´ve ever seen. She performed with her brother Steve for the students at her school - after she had polio.

Sheri Reay

November 12, 2025

Madeline was my protector, my friend, my "big" sister. She called me her little sissy. She was always there for me from the time I was born clear through our adult years.
She was born so premature that she barely had fingernails or eyelashes. She was placed in a shoe box after she was born. It was thought she had not survived so she was put on the dresser to be picked up by the doctor. When he arrived, he exclaimed that she wasn´t dead, but barely alive. Her older sisters massaged her little chest and back hoping to keep her breathing. She survived. She survived polio, a gunshot in the abdomen, Cushings disease, and Post Polio Syndrome. She survived losing her leg because of an accident, but it didn´t slow her down.
She was a "fireball" of energy, never quit being active, never quit cleaning her own house as well as everyone else´s. She was so much fun, she had a big heart behind all the witty sarcasm. She cared about her family, she cared about everyone.
She loved being a temple worker, was so disappointed when the St. George Temple closed for a season. She loved volunteering at Tuacahn in St. George, serving the theater goers there.
She lived a life of service. She was definitely a survivor.
I will miss her terribly.

Miles Roberson

November 11, 2025

Remembering my aunt Madeline - a little ball of energy who could out work, out cook, and make everyone laugh. I´ll always remember her non stop vacuuming as we tried to hold conversations in the living room.
I hope I can have even half of her spark and spirit. She´ll be missed but never forgotten....

Sheri Daliry

November 11, 2025

Ohhhh Auntie how you will be missed. I loved your Sunday dinners, and most of all, when you came to my house, you started cleaning, and when I thought you were through you would start my baseboards.

The picture attached is my favorite of you and Ryan. Ive lost you both, but forever in my heart

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