 | Bonnie Grobar, 32 year Travis Country neighbor and active volunteer left us on April 1, 2007. Bonnie's family and her many friends in Travis Country held a community "Celebration of Life" on May 19, 2007. To commemorate the many hours and and care that Bonnie gave to the community the family and neighborhood established a lasting tribute site near Bonnie's beloved Blue Valley Pond. A natural area surrounded by native plants, the site is along the creek side bank of the pond. Natural boulders and a bench provide a place where visitors can sit, view the pond that Bonnie worked so hard to save, enjoy the wildlife, and visit with the occasional neighbor walking their animals or hiking along the trail where Bonnie so enjoyed walking her Prince Caliph. Looking across the pond one can envision Bonnie driving along the street in her silver convertible with the Prince by her side. At the 2007 homeowner's meeting the annually awarded "Volunteer of the Year Award" was renamed the "Bonnie Grobar Volunteer of the Year Award". Words never seem to be enough, no matter how hard we try, but Bonnie's family, friends, and neighbors have attempted to record their sense of loss, love, and respect for Bonnie in these comments. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My mom loved Travis Country and her morning walks around the neighborhood. The Blue Valley area was special to her and she worked hard to ensure that the pond was attractive and healthy to benefit the community and wildlife. I can't think of a better way to honor her than to designate a special place in her name. I also know that Jim would appreciate knowing that so many people cared for her and that there will be a place in the neighborhood for her always. Gary [Bonnie's son] |
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie was caring and nice. She helped me when the electricity went out at my house. I felt safe with her. I will miss her. Carly Williams, her neighbor (age 10) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Missing Bonnie Openness to new ideas, belief in the best outcome, conviction that truth is absolute—just a few phrases to describe Bonnie. I feel a loss; I know there is a loss to us all in Travis Country. We all wish to leave a legacy, I believe. Bonnie does leave a lasting legacy. Thank you, Bonnie. Jim McNabb ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I smile when I think of Bonnie. She was so steady and positive. Recently, we talked about parenting. She mentioned that all any of us can do is to guide our children, open them to lots of different experiences and let them live their lives. I appreciate her kindness to me and to my daughter. We’ll miss her peaceful presence across the street. Marcia Williams ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie had a profoundly beautiful spirit and she touched the lives of so many people in so many positive ways. She was passionate in the things that she believed and the things that she did. She loved the natural beauty of Travis Country and she worked hard to maintain and improve it for all of us to enjoy. Bonnie found joy and pleasure in the interactions that she had with people from all walks of life. She relished the diversity of the people that she worked with in Travis Country and in her life. Bonnie was the voice of calm and reason and optimism when chaos and frustration abounded around her. In her humble, kind, and unassuming nature, she was full of greatness. In her retirement years, Bonnie was very devoted to her life in Travis Country. There are so many, many things that Bonnie did for Travis Country and that we take for granted. At one time, there was discussion of abandoning the upkeep of the pond; but Bonnie and others had a vision that it could be a really wonderful place. She was largely responsible for the beautiful pond (and don't forget the ducks) that so many of us enjoy today. For more than a decade, Bonnie was devoted to producing and delivering the TC Notes. She and Jim scheduled their life's needs around the demands of producing our community newsletter. Bonnie found time to contribute to other TC activities and functions as well. She participated in many committee activities through the years, including Budget, Grounds, Social, and Welcoming. Most recently Bonnie guided the transition of the Communications Committee from producing a community newsletter to including the establishment and maintenance of the website and message board. Bonnie enjoyed the challenge of learning how to do these new things if it meant improving education and communication to TC residents. Bonnie continued participation in many of these activities until the very end of her life. Bonnie wouldn't want us to mourn her passing, but those of us who have worked so closely with Bonnie through the years will have tears in our eyes and holes in our hearts. Lynne Fahlquist ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I did not have the occasion to work with Bonnie but reading the Monthly News gave me an insight of her dedication to Travis Country. My sincere condolence to the family. Lise Carter ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jim I feel your loss too. Bonnie was such a wonderful woman. I am proud to have known her. George Stokes ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie had a radiant beauty about her that came from within. She was one of the kindest and most patient people I have ever met. Bonnie cared deeply and worked silently to help her community, her family, her friends and her wonderful husband, Jim. It was impressive the way Bonnie was able to find answers and get things done in a very soft yet resourceful manner. I had deep admiration for Bonnie and was proud to call her a friend. Sincerely, Sherri Williams ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Friendly, giving, and gracious are some of the many wonderful, personal attributes Bonnie displayed to all. She inspired me through her actions and conversation to become more active in and giving to our wonderful neighborhood. All in Travis Country are the beneficiaries of her giving spirit and many hours of work. The communications we receive from the TC Notes, the website, and the emergency e-mail list are, in large part, due to Bonnie’s efforts. For over a decade she was a constant presence at monthly board meetings, taking notes to be sure residents were kept informed. Common areas were enhanced through her work with the grounds committee. The Blue Valley pond and its wildlife were very significantly improved due to her dedication. Everyone who enjoys the serene beauty of our pond reaps the benefit of Bonnie’s devotion to bringing the pond back to its former beauty when it was in a declining state. To me, the natural beauty of our pond stands as a living legacy to the natural beauty of Bonnie’s spirit. Our community is blessed to have had such a caring volunteer and neighbor. Candy Goodrich ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The soft eyes full of understanding, merriment, and sometimes a little glint of mischief, The smile The side to side shake of the head, The occasional brush of the hair and a knowing laugh, The smile The straightening of the back and a sentence that started with "Perhaps we should consider" or "Perhaps we could" The carefully paced voice reminding us "You know we are just a bunch of neighbors trying to do the best we can." The smile The caring delivered in the form of homemade zucchini bread when there had been a tragedy in our family, The rational, calm voice on the phone when I needed a fresh perspective, The smile The passionate naturalist ready to take 'em all on to save the planet, The political ally willing to let me vent and capable of a good rant herself, The smile The understanding when I needed a good listener, The mentor who taught me to be a better community leader, The smile The good neighbor, The good friend, The Bonnie I would like to have had more time to know Janice Smith ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A natural educator, an unwavering servant to truth, a naturalist and humanitarian who lived the change she wished to see in the world, her legacy is found in every corner of Travis Country, and in the many neighbors with whom she volunteered. It's just a neighborhood" was Bonnie's way of teaching that the essence of a great community is in relationships built and nurtured through good times and bad alike. Terry Horton ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie was a patient at the South Austin Cancer Center during my time worked there. People many times question the presumed depressiveness that is associated with cancer care and my answer is always that oftentimes, the patient gives more to us than we do as caregivers. Bonnie was a giver. From the moment she entered the clinic her patience, tolerance, and acceptance was felt. Always carrying a book, she invited conversation about literature, life, my dogs, any and everything before embarking on what brought her to the clinic. Bonnie taught me so very much. What a blessing she was to all who were touched by her life, and that holds true regardless of any religious convictions one might hold. Thank you, Bonnie, for sharing your spirit and courage with us. Jim, may you find comfort in the memories and beauty that Bonnie left with you. Karen Thomas RN, BSN, OCN Nurse Manager Texas Oncology-Round Rock Cancer Center 2410 Round Rock Avenue, Suite 150 Round Rock, Texas 78681 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie was a courageous woman in so many ways. Dedicated, she scheduled treatments so that she could attend board meetings and get the TC Notes out on time. Her infectious laughter and cheerful disposition will be sorely missed. Bonnie will live on in our memory, Lily & Frank Krystopher ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie lived across the street from me and I would always see her working in her yard. We would always stop and talk. She would ask me about school and just life in general. She was such a wonderful person, so full of life. I remember she was the first person to take me to the Library and we rode around in her convertible. She also trusted me to "cat sit" for a few weeks when her and Jim would go on vacation. Bonnie was always there to cheer me up and I will miss hearing her laugh and all the great things she had to say. Travis Country won't be the same without Bonnie Grobar. We will miss her so much. Kelsey Jistel (age 17) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dearest Bonnie, You left us too early. I struggle with how to describe what you meant to me because I simply can’t fully comprehend that you are gone. From the moment I met you almost 4 years ago, I knew we would make a good team. We worked so closely together on the TC Notes. You were a true partner and were so dedicated to that newsletter. You planned chemo appointments and trips around it. Your commitment to it and those who read it was unparalleled. We worked under tight deadlines and sometimes high stress. This is usually when you see people at their worst. But not you, you always handled it with the grace and calmness that was your signature in life. You were the supreme arbiter of good judgment and your ability to find the facts under all the emotion was superb. I loved your thirst for knowledge. You enjoyed new things. You were the only person I know who got excited about the idea of learning Microsoft Publisher. I never knew I liked zucchini bread until you made some and gave it to me. A soldier of optimism, you met every day with an exuberance unmatched by anyone, much less someone with cancer. You seemed to have a light within you that shone of positivity and courage. I felt so privileged to be your friend and coworker. You were truly a beautiful person. You lent a kind ear to all who asked. You were a dispenser of great advice. We had many long talks about motherhood and raising boys. And your laugh. How I loved your laugh. The best part about it was that it came so easily. It rolled out from deep within and when you heard it, it was like a thousand light bulbs went off in the room. It was just fantastic. You were so special to me and my family. People from Florida to Illinois knew who you were and how much you meant to me. I am so sad that my baby daughter will not know your lovely smile or warm heart. Your memory will live on at Blue Valley and I will take my children there to see your spirit in all that is green and good there. We love you so much and I hope that one day, we will meet again. Tricia Born ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie fed the wild birds, nurturing the natural as she nurtured our beloved Travis Country. With heartfelt passion, she engaged on every level, be it assisting in administration or simply picking up trash. She and Jim were wonderful neighbors of 32 years, raising a fine young man, Gary. Jim, Gary, our hearts go out to you. We have all suffered a great loss. Dan & Erika Moore 4605 Canyonwood Drive ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I had heard of Bonnie and generally knew who she was, but it wasn't until I was elected to the board two years ago that I began to understand the full extent of her contributions to our community (although, truthfully, the full extent of her contributions may never be known, as she wasn't one to advertise them). She absolutely welcomed me into the circle of active volunteers in the neighborhood and encouraged every idea I ever had. She was constantly sending me supportive emails, adding substance and context to any initiatives I had, and physically supporting me by showing up to events and activities. She was a person who always said, "Let's see how we can make this work," instead of, "That won't work, it's been tried before, or it's too hard, or fill-in-the-blank." I respected her opinion immensely, and she was a great role model for everyone trying to be a good neighbor, a community activist, or just a decent human being. She will be sorely missed. Pam Losefsky ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie was such a special person. I mostly communicated with Bonnie about Travis Country newsletter stuff but I always knew that talking with her would be a bright spot in my day. A few times, I had the privilege of hanging out with Bonnie at TC functions. What a fun and sweet lady. My prayers are with you (the family) during this time of great loss. Karen Marsales ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie was one of the most caring, gentle, hard working, and passionate people that I’ve had the pleasure to know. David Garrison ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To all the friends and loved ones of Bonnie Grobar, A resident of Travis Country since 1985, I have seen the body and soul of Travis Country grow and thrive for many years. And nobody in our community has embodied the soul, body, and love of this community more than Bonnie Grobar. We have lost one of our finest, but her sheer will to make our home a better place will live on in the legacy of our wonderful neighborhood, which she loved so much. While gone, her legacy will be felt for years to come. She leaves to us a better place . . . a better home and community . . . as her legacy. God Speed Bonnie. Let Him bring you home. You have done well. Gerard Patrick Roeling ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie was such a beautiful soul. She welcomed me at my first grounds committee meeting 3 years ago and I instantly felt that I belonged. She was always the voice of reason when conflicts came up. I will miss her gentle way of speaking and great knowledge of life. Condolences to her family. Melanie Miller ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie was a wonderfully remarkable person. Everything that has been written about her on these pages is so true. She left us much too soon. I will truly miss her. "Happy" Almaguer ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie lived and still will live in my heart 2 doors down from my home in Travis Country. I remember when a loved one of mine was diagnosed with cancer in 1998 and flowers were sent to her home by accident instead of mine. This is when we met and spoke of cancer and she gave me such kind words, I felt I'd known her my entire lifetime. I will always remember in her little convertible riding the neighborhood doing her life's work of KINDNESS. I thank you Bonnie for influencing my life in such a strong way. God Bless your family, Love, Lisa Hennessy 4607 Canyonwood ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie has always been sunshine. Her smile was ever-reaching, and if there ever were the consummate volunteer, it was she. Bonnie was overflowing with love for all -- and she forgave any and all mistakes that anyone ever made, for she said she had already done them! Bonnie will be missed by more Travis Country residents than we all know, for she touched all of our lives. Her involvement with the Travis Country Board, her work with all volunteers in every aspect of life in the neighborhood, and especially all of her hard work on the TC Notes. She will always be remembered. Lee and Lindy Siegismund ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie was always such a sweet sweet lady, always willing to help and an amazing volunteer! She will be very missed in Travis Country but we know she is in a better place. Jennifer Whitney ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I first met Bonnie years ago on a glorious sunny spring day as she and her sweet doberman, Caliph, strolled around Blue Valley Pond. Her greeting was as bright and welcoming as the weather was on that day and I felt as if I was greeting an old friend. That was the way Bonnie always was, despite what was the temperament of the day, she always beamed sunlight in that crinkly-eyed smile of hers. I felt blessed every time I saw her and feel fortunate that we have been so lucky to have her in our lives and our neighborhood for as long as we did. Her memory will always brighten my days as I am sure it will all who ever knew her. We love you, Bonnie! Dayna Beard-Isensee ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I miss your pleasant smile and cheerful attitude. Every time I walk around Blue Valley Reflection Pond I will remember your persistence, dedication and time you gave in preserving the pond, not just for the TC residences or it's natural beauty, but also for the wildlife in the area that depend on it. I already miss you at our Ground Committee meetings, like the other night, I needed your help and expertise in rewording a motion I was making, for you were so good at getting it just right. To Jim and Gary, thank you so much for allowing Bonnie to share so much of her time with the rest of us. Bonnie was like a candle that burned out way too soon. Dennis Jistel ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It is difficult to describe in words, and the effort pulls at my heart strings, to try to quantify the eloquence and elegance of spirit and knowledge that Bonnie possessed. I have met her on only a few fleeting occasions as the childhood friend of her nephew Jason and yet I count her as one of my favorite people. Bonnie is the kind of a person that you want to call family because she made you feel as though you were as important and welcome as any of her own. I knew her as tough, loving, inspirational, thought provoking. To me she was an old soul who could understand and teach across generations and touch the lives of everyone she came in contact with. Although I am saddened by the loss and the hurt that Jim and her family must be going through I feel fortunate and uplifted for having known and been touched by her life. The world is certainly a better place for having Bonnie Grobar have pass through it. Judy and Jason, I hope that this gets onto her page but I wanted to share with you how saddened I am by your(our) loss. Please give my best to the family. Timothy Rich ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I wish to thank all who have contributed their memories of my sister Bonnie. She would be very proud of how all her friends and aquaintances remembered her. The picture of Bonnie captures her essence and genuine love for all of us and her wonderful Travis Country. She was not only my only sister, but my best friend and she has help me through many trials in my life. I am a better person for having her in my life. I will endeavor to carry on her memory as I follow her much needed advice and love of life. I am glad to have had so much time with her in the last two years, for we got to know each other very well. I have truly lost a soul mate. I plan to visit Travis Country as often as I can, so I know I will feel her presence when I do. Her loving sister, Mary Lynne Herald Hagerstown, Md. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I like to think that the immediate familiarity I felt when I met Bonnie ten years ago reflects something unique and special about me, but I know that it really reflects something unique and special about her, as I am sure that everyone who knew her also felt the same instant bond and kindredness. My heart is especially heavy for Jim who I know had too little time with his true and perfect mate. Your relationship is a model for all of us. A truly fulfilled life would only require us to find that kind of relationship even if only for a few fleeting hours. With love, Brett Ginsburg San Antonio, Texas ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To My Aunt Bonnie I'm gonna miss you so much! I know your resting peacefully and your watching over all of us but I wish you were still here.I never got to see you that much cause we lived so far from each other but I'll be always be greatful that I get to call you my aunt, you'll always be MY aunt. Im gonna miss the trips to the airport to pick you and Uncle Jim up when you guys would come to Maryland me and mom always had wine, crackers and chesse for you guys to munch on while we drove to grandma's house. Im also gonna miss those surprise packages and letters you used to send me. Yes, I still have the letters, pictures and the ruby red earrings you sent too. I wont ever get rid of them. Last time you and Uncle Jim came to visit I made Uncle Jim a promise that I would go back to school and give it my best shot...and I still plan on keeping that promise. But for now aunt bonnie I gotta go to sleep. Tomorrow's another day so I'll see you in my dreams. Love Always and Forever, Becca Lynne Clarksville, MD ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I was fortunate to meet and get to know Bonnie through my friend Judy Allen. Bonnie and Judy were often together, sharing their friendship and their love for their beautiful Doberman’s. They took walks together, “dog set” for one another, and were in each others homes frequently. What always struck me about Bonnie was the “glow” she always had on her face. Bonnie lived a healthy life style and shared her time improving her neighborhood. Bonnie made anyone around her more comfortable because she totally listened to the person talking to her and always had a big smile. Bonnie was a great example of hope and love. She never gave up in her battle with cancer. She endured all to be with her loved ones. Bonnie is an example of living a life of service to others, sharing her love, and exhibiting a generosity of spirit. I always felt so good in her presence. Bonnie will always be with us, loved and remembered. Bonnie made the earth a better place. Susan Warren ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie was my boss at the Texas State Library when I was a student worker in the early 1990s. I was a young guy obsessed with God, truth, life-and-how-to-live-it, etc etc etc, so I could not have been more fortunate then to have met Bonnie. Bonnie was a true mentor. She represented everything I wanted to be when (if) I ever grew up, and over the years she continued to show me what a spectacular person looked like, how they operated in the world, how they contributed, how they parented, how they aged, how they dealt with sickness and adversity, and on and on. Most of all, one could talk to Bonnie after a long absence and be laughing with her almost before one said Hello. To say Bonnie was one in a million is not hyperbole; in fact, it's a gross understatement. I thank the fates for allowing all of us to have her, whether in a large way or a small way, in our lives. Thanks, Bonnie. I'm sorry I took so much from you and was able to give so little in return. Eric Forte Santa Barbara, CA ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie is missed. I knew her as a librarian, a professional, a sound thinker, and a person who was genuinely interested in all that life had to offer. She appeared to me to have managed to balance her life with her work, her friends, her family, and her own interests. She was interested in those she encountered, asking interesting questions and, as others have observed, was poised, very positive, and encouraging of others. Bonnie touched many. Jim and Gary, our thoughts are with you. Sue Soy Susan K. Soy, C.A. 1910 Holly Hill Drive Austin, Texas 78746-7647 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I will always remember Bonnie as a sweet, kind woman. Several years ago she volunteered for a brief period at Travis High School library. She was a positive influence on my life and I will remember her as a strong, loving person. Phyllis Conrad Library Assistant Travis High School Library ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I first met Bonnie when I worked at the Texas State Library. She was always so kind and thoughtful whenever we worked together. We seemed to understand each other. I really liked her and enjoyed meeting Jim and Bonnie when they would go to concerts. She always had a wonderful smile when we saw each other. I will miss her. Sydelle (Syd) Popinsky ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie Grobar will always be on my list of top-ten-best-human-beings-I-have-known. I had the privilege of working for her at the Texas State Library in the mid-1980s, and she became a mentor and friend, always a source of wisdom, support, and kindness. I will miss her intelligence, humor, and integrity, and that wonderful, sparkling energy she had (you all know what I’m talking about). She gave so much to the people around her, without making a big deal about it – it was years before I learned how much volunteer and community work she did. There’s a big hole right now in the universe and in my heart. Barbara Mercer ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The last time I visited with Bonnie, she had just rescued, a frighten, and bewildered canine at the base of the Blue Valley's entrance; where cars run at unprecedented speeds. She boarded, watered, and comforted the canine until her owner was located. What a great neighbor! God bless ya' Bonnie, Travis Country will miss you. Charles Draper Travis Country, TX ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The laughter! Bonnie is my best friend. Weekend morning walks with our dobermans Prince Calaf and Summer Song, coffee, great and stimulating conversations, the farmers market, holidays, birthdays, regular days, anniversaries, love and laughter. All gone too soon. There is a hole in my heart, but you will be part of my soul forever. Bonnie will always be an example to me of how to live life, and how to share life and love by exhibiting a generosity of spirit. It always felt so good to be in her presence. The laughter! Bonnie, Summer and I will met you at the pond. Judy Allen Summer Song 4603 View West ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie has been our neighbor and friend for many years. We will miss her gentle nature and sweet smile. She was always willing to take time to stop and talk when we saw her on her morning walks. She was a mentor and friend to me as I continue my struggle with ovarian cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim and Gary and the rest of her family. Pat and Larry Goodman 4704 Canyonwood Drive ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We are stunned and grieved to learn of Bonnie's passing. Yet, we feel some comfort in being able to read the heartfelt memories of her other neighbors and friends. We also are pleased to hear through these of the permanent memorial that the Travis Country residents plan to place in her memory near the pond that she enjoyed in her daily walks of every season. In the eight years that we were next-door neighbors and sometimes fellow dog walkers there, Bonnie and I shared countless short conversations and more than a few longer ones. These talks always proved worthwhile. While our Samuel J. Socks would stand between us listening, her Prince Caliph would often fetch his leash and put it into her hand to let her know when he was ready to move on. When we needed to find another house, Bonnie kept that in mind during her own longer walks and told us of the Sendero house, which we would have missed. Bonnie loved her family and enjoyed giving us thoughtful updates on them. She also showed genuine love for and pride in her own profession and clear respect for the professions of others. During the weeks between our departure from Austin and my becoming more familiar with the research facilities here in Albuquerque, I asked her help in investigating an arcane catalogue matter. As if she had not retired long before, Bonnie cheerfully drove to the UT library and obtained the information that I was missing. She also sent words of encouragement that I deeply respected for my project. How I have wanted to complete the project in time for her to see this acknowledgment in print! In our years away from Austin, Bonnie and Jim have twice looked in on us during their travels, and these visits, though short, would make our frequent e-mail exchanges seem like chats over the hedge. It was in just such an exchange during the last presidential campaign that Bonnie introduced us to a television show that we then knew nothing of but now follow as a favorite. We will always miss Bonnie, for as these memories might reveal, she herself and the thoughtful reflections that she shared with us have become a treasured part of our lives. Robert and Mary Small Albuquerque, New Mexicoc ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie's amazing spirit and attitude; her strength and the positive, intelligent way with which she approached working to change the world for the better remains with me. I miss her wit, her deep love for nature, and our therapeutic political venting sessions. Bonnie and I first met as a result of the majestic and gentle, Prince Calaf. Memories of Bonnie and Calaf making the early morning rounds of the neighborhood continue to make me smile. Our neighborhood has lost its quiet, yet powerful matriarch...how many of us it will take to fill those incredible shoes! Beth Ehrichs 4800 Canyonwood Drive ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie, You were a sweet sweet lady. You were such an asset to this community and so humble abut your contributions. I very much enjoyed working with you on the TC Notes. You are missed. Sincerely, Maggie Fitzgerald ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Legacies: What a remarkable woman your stories reflect in these pages. My heart goes out to each of you in this profound loss. I have had the distinct pleasure of friendship with Bonnie’s son, Gary, for several years now. After reading your heartwarming remembrances here, I begin to understand where Gary’s good character traits come from. Perhaps one of our most visible legacies is the imprint of our good character we leave on our children. I can’t think of a more fitting tribute to a mother than for her son to reflect her good character in the next generation. Thank you, Gary. We are praying for you and Jim during this difficult time. Wes Phillips ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie was a favorite of mine. We were neighbors while Jim, Bonnie and Gary lived at McDonald Observatory. During the early 1970s, she was the first on-site degreed professional librarian hired to manage the McDonald Observatory Library. Bonnie was solely responsible for organizing its collection of books into the well-respected technical library appreciated by so many astronomers worldwide. Bonnie was my mentor and because of her, my twenty-eight year tenure as McDonald Observatory Librarian was easy. I was quickly drawn to Bonnie, because of her kindness and positive outlook on life. She was such a good friend and being with her was always a joy. I will miss her very much. Jane Wiant McDonald Observatory Fort Davis, TX ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What I remember most about Bonnie was the fact that she took a confirmed bachelor and quickly won his heart. Jim took a lot of kidding because of that but I don't think he really cared when it came down to it. They moved from the observatory because of Jim's job and quickly settled into life in Austin. Ed and I on occasion would get together with them when Rhoda Silverberg or Sunny Peer would quickly plan a "McDonald" get together when we were coming to Austin. It was always a pleasure to see them. What was always evident was the love between Jim and Bonnie. They married at a later time in their lives, but they had a marriage that most people dream about. Jim was always so attentive to her. If you ask why, well just read all the messages posted about her - She was one true human being. I will always be sorry that I did not get to see Bonnie one last time at the McDonald Observatory Reunion held on April 28th, 2007. Her absence was felt by all. Mary L. Dutchover Fort Davis Texas ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hello Gary, I'm so sorry to hear about Bonnie. I'll always remember her. Even though I only seen her one time I new she was a special person. I showed you and her a house on Buchanan Lake that was for sale. I did talk to her thru Email and found out about her Cancer. Gary please accept my condolence. I had prayed for your mother and I'll always remember her as a very special person. Ken McGary |
| To add your remembrances to "Bonnie's Page", please submit them by e-mail to: bonnies.page@traviscountry.com. This page will be viewable to Travis Country website users. A final copy will be delivered to Bonnie's family. |
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