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Toni Bukowski Obituary
Toni L. BUKOWSKI Born June 23, 1956 in Seattle, WA, died February 1, 2008, also in Seattle. Survived by Thomas Bukowski, her loving husband of 30 years; son, August Bukowski; daughter, Jessica Bukowski; sister, Tisa Kosbab; brother, Robert Nicholson; and father, Nick Nicholson. Toni was a resident of Western Washington for 51 years. She received Bachelor of Arts in Cell Biology and a teaching certificate, both from the University of Washington. Toni was a Science Teacher at Ballard High School in the Seattle School District. She was a National Board Certified Teacher, Washington State Teachers Association’s High School Science Teacher of the Year 2003, and participated in MESA-Mathematics, Engineering Science, Achievement, and SEP-Science Education Partnership. Toni was an active member in Community Garden Project through Interbay P-Patch, Ballard Greenhouse Project, and Washington Fruit Tree Society. Toni was the most at home in her garden. She enjoyed making the world a more beautiful place by planting seeds in rough patches of soil. A lover of all things outdoors and the Pacific Northwest, she enjoyed camping on Camano Island and fly-fishing with her husband and son on the Snoqualmie River and on Rock Creek in Montana. She was calmed by the sound of the Pacific Ocean and traveled there as often as time would allow to sit on the beach with her eyes closed breathing in the salt mist. Toni loved children and often quoted Matthew 19:14 "Jesus said let the little ones come to me and do not keep them away: for such is the Kingdom of heaven." This was a quote that embodied her attitude toward children in both her professional and personal life. She believed that children of all ages were perfect and provided adults an opportunity to see the face of God. Students and teachers agreed that "Mrs. B" was the best teacher they had ever encountered. Upon her passing, the students at Ballard High School unanimously voted to have the Ballard Greenhouse dedicated in Mrs. Bukowski’s honor as "Mrs. B’s Greenhouse." The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Ballard High School Foundation to support the upkeep of Mrs. B’s Greenhouse. Please send donations to: The Ballard High School Foundation, PO Box 17626 Seattle, Wa 98127, (206) 521-3208. With your donation, please mention that you would like it to support the upkeep of the greenhouse. There will be a Memorial Service this Friday, February 8, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Greenwood Square, 8420 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle 98103. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 9th, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Benedict’s Church, 1805 N 49th St, Seattle, WA 98103. Please sign the online guestbook at www.legacy.com. Hoffner Fisher & HarveyTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Toni Bukowski
Luci Varon
March 3, 2008
Dear Toni's family,
I was so saddened to hear the news of Toni's passing. She and I were colleagues at SHA and she taught two of my sons. May you be comforted with good memories and know that she touched many people's lives. I will remember her as a very happy person who loved teaching and science.
Lori peha kezner
February 28, 2008
Dear Toni's family,
I taught with Toni many years ago at the Seattle Hebrew Academy. I was a Kindergarten teacher, so eventually, my students grew up to be in Mrs. B's class. When I think about Toni, my first thought is that she somehow was able to cram in a lifetime of energy and love and living...into the short time she had on this earth. She was a beautiful, inspiring encouraging woman, who made a difference in every student she taught. Everyone loved Mrs. B. and I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to know her. She always spoke with such affection toward her 2 kids and husband.
Toni has the spirit that lives on through all the people she touched during her live. She will be forever remembered.
With Love,
Lori Peha Kezner
Amy Monaghan
February 22, 2008
Tom and Family,
I had the privilege of working with Toni at Ballard High School. She and I served on the Instructional Council and I was always so impressed by her kindness, patience and professionalism. Not only was Toni a dedicated and talented teacher, she was also a thoughtful and committed leader. I learned a great deal from her.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Rachel Hartwig
February 19, 2008
"When life gives you a flat tire you change it and keep going. You can get mad, call AAA, but in the end you keep moving forward in life." This is what Mrs. B sent me in an email when she first stopped teaching last year. It may be easier said than done, but I am sure that is good advice she would give for all the people she loved. She will always be in everyone's heart and that won't change.
Brent Brodrick
February 14, 2008
Uncle Nick and Family,
Sorry to hear about Toni's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brent
Cindy Mitchell
February 12, 2008
I had the privilege of working with Toni as a fellow biology teacher in the Seattle Public Schools. It was always a joy to see her at Department Head and SEP Meetings. Her enthusiasm was contagious. No matter what the problem, she always had a way of finding a positive solution. Toni will be missed by all who knew her. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Molli Miller
February 11, 2008
Nick,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your daughter seemed like such a beautiful woman. I wish I would have met her. My prayers are with you and your family.
Love, Molli
Lewis & Vera Espinosa
February 10, 2008
We Are sorry for your loss as well
as the Communities' loss. Hope a new light will come on to replace Toni's. Love, Lew & Vera Espinosa
(friend's of Nick's)
Curtis Brodrick
February 10, 2008
We were very sorry to hear of Toni's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bukowski and Nicholson families. Be confident Toni is with our Lord and Saviour and will be with you in your hearts forever. She was a wonderful person and now has reached immortal status. Condolences from the entire Brodrick family
Nancy Jo Rauch
February 10, 2008
Toni's family and friends -
I am sorry for your loss. Toni had an amazing ability to touch other's lives. I met Toni through the Fred Hutch. SEP program. Even though I only spoke to her through annual SEP meetings, Toni inspired me. I will miss her enthusiasm, her caring, her positive stories of working with teens, and quality suggestions for improving teaching. I am happy to hear Toni's legacy will continue to grow in Ballard High's Greenhouse.
Diana Gonzales
February 10, 2008
Dear Tom,
My heart goes out to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. In this great big world, how blessed you both were to have been brought together!
Sincerely and with love,
Diana Gonzales
(your former Chef in Zymo/Hydrohouse Cafe)
Ricardo Bacalzo
February 10, 2008
Nick and Family, I'm sorry to here of Toni's passing. It's sounds like she had a remarkable life, and will live in the hearts of all she had touched.
Sandi Jones
February 9, 2008
Nick and Toni’s Family, we are so sorry to hear of Toni’s passing. She must have been an incredible woman. Just reading about her and reading the entries on this site she was really well liked. Please take care of yourselves.
Sandi and Leonard Jones
Sandi Jones
February 8, 2008
Nick and Toni's Family. We are very sorry to hear about Toni's passing. She must have been an incredible lady. You will miss her greatly. Take care of each other.
Sandi and Leonard
Stephanie Peterson
February 8, 2008
Mrs. B was more than a teacher, she was a motivator, a believer, and most of all, she was your friend. She was the type of teacher that made sure her students succeeded and she was a reason many love science. She would believe in you when nobody else would. She would stay after class and go through each and every question or problem you had until she knew for sure that you understood, and she never would turn anybody away. She was the type of teacher whom you would go to visit many years after graduation, just to say hi to her, tell her how you have been, and to let her know that you didn't forget that she cared when others didn't. She is probably the main reason that I graduated and am now working in a science based field. I am very thankful to be able to have a woman like her touch my life.
Ballard class of 2002.
Andrea Tuttle
February 8, 2008
Mrs. B touched my life in a way that a teacher, or anyone, was never able. She made me passionate about learning about plants, she showed me that gardening can be the most fun you can have. I will remember her for the rest of my life as a true inspiration and mentor. The only thing i hope that she knew was that she made everyone's life better for knowing her. I just wish that i'll be able to see the world to be as beautiful as she saw it, and to always be grateful and smile. I love you mrs. B and I miss you.
Kay Willhight
February 8, 2008
Tom, I'm sooooo sorry. Toni and you hold a special place in my memory book going back to the Dibble neighborhood and my life with Steve. He is undergoing some terrible health issues (MS)and may be joining Toni, sooner rather than later. All I really want to say is that both of you have made a positive difference in so many people's lives--and what else could be a better legacy?
Kay Willhight & Steve Gregory
Vanessa Castaneda
February 8, 2008
Mrs. B was one of my favorite high school teachers. Always so encouraging, each of her student's own cheerleader. I will miss her enthusiastic spirit and remember her always.
Amy Schoonover
February 8, 2008
Our thoughts are with the entire family and we wish you all strength in these difficult time. Nick, Robert,Tisa and Elisa all take care. Love Amy, Rob and Deana
Karen Bazley
February 8, 2008
Dear Nick,
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
Karen and Baze
Jose Anguiano
February 8, 2008
Thank you Mrs. Bukowski for giving your time and money to building a greenhouse for the science classes here at Ballard High and for giving students a chance to learn about the many wonders of science and nature.
Miki & Fred Booth
February 8, 2008
Dear Nick & Robert. We are so sorry for your loss. We never had the opportunity to meet Toni but we know she was an exceptionally gifted and loving person. My passion is my gardening, too, and I think I will meet up with Toni some day and tell her that her father and brother are very dear to me. I know you will both take comfort in your memories of Toni.
Aloha, Miki, Fred & Alan
Leslie Norton
February 7, 2008
My condolences and sympathy to Toni's family. Please take comfort in knowing that the influence of a beloved teacher is timeless. My son took her botany class, was a TA for her and she was his senior project advisor. She was the kind of favorite teacher that kids connected with and returned to visit after graduation. I am so grateful that she was part of the Ballard HS community when we were there. What a wonderful educator and person -- she will be missed.
Jeanine Markle
February 7, 2008
I am sorry to hear about the loss of such a wonderful teacher. My children did not have her as a teacher, but I heard about her through the school and community.
Bob & Peggy Beers
February 7, 2008
Our prayers are with Toni's Family and close friends, especially or very good friend Nick, as you adjust to Toni now being with the Lord.
Stacie Pennington
February 7, 2008
Mrs. B. was without a doubt one of the most inspirational teachers that a student could encounter. She is leaving behind a memory that I know will be treasured forever. She left her students with the desire to do something beneficial, and to strive to do a fraction of the good that she achieved. She will always be remembered with a great deal of love. Thank you Mrs. Bukowski.
sharon swift
February 7, 2008
I met Toni at Mass at St. John's only two or three times but I could never forget this loving and sweet lady. She remains an inspiration to me. Thank you Toni!
Sanaye Birney
February 7, 2008
Nick,
I'm so sadden and sorry to hear about Toni's passing.
Sanaye Birney
Lowell and Barbara Anderson
February 7, 2008
We never ment you Toni , but we have know your dad for many years. We were school mates. You sound like a wonderfull daughter.
Diane, 'Mina and Sage Crockett/Lee
February 7, 2008
Our prayers are with you, Tom, Jessica and Augie. We have sweet memories of your wife and mother - her gentle voice, her garden, her enthusiasm for life, her love of her children and "sweet" husband. She always made a person feel like what you were saying mattered. God bless you in this time.
Alice Busch
February 7, 2008
I'm so sorry for your loss Nick. She seemed like she was a great and beautiful lady. My prayers and thoughts are with your family.
Alice Busch
Felecia Corbin
February 7, 2008
Hello to Nick and your family. I'm sorry for the loss of your daughter, mother, sister, auntie, and wife. She has left a great legacy and example for us all to follow about the beauty of Children and gardening. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Richard (Dick( Mitchell
February 7, 2008
What a wonderful, caring, inspirational person Toni was. I enjoyed working with her on the Ballard High Greenhouse project. I was president of the BHS Foundation during that time.
Bill, Shawn and Emily Burkland
February 7, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Thank you for sharing Toni with the BHS community. She had an amazing impact on many students. We feel fortunate our daughter had the opportunity to experience the love Toni had for teaching and children.
Emily will remember Toni always.
Meg Wakeman
February 7, 2008
What a wonderful person Toni was! Her legacy of caring will be with us all for a very long time.
The Brannan-Goldsmith Family
February 7, 2008
When my daughter transfered to Ballard midway through her junior year, not knowing a single person, it was Toni Bukowski who reached out to her on day one, inviting her to eat lunch with her in her classroom, and introducing her to other students. She also encouraged my daugter throughout her time at Ballard to keep her goals clear and keep moving toward what she wanted in life. She instilled motivation in her that she still draws from to this day. Thank you, Toni, for your gift of recognizing children's strengths and encouraging them to go forward. You will be remembered always with gratitude and love.
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