On August 1st, 2024, we lost our beloved Bonnie Simons; wife, mother, grand and great grandmother; mom, friend and family to everyone she knew, including countless "orphans" she met throughout her life. She transitioned peacefully, after a brief illness, with her loving family by her side. Describing Bonnie, it would be a crime to take only one perspective, so we've recruited an arsenal of personalities- a montage of stories and remeberences, from others who knew her best.

I'll start. For me, mom was just perfect. Didn't usually get angry, unless I, or the other heathens, rightfully earned her scorn. The opposite was her modus operandi- she saw the good in almost everyone she met, and loved immeasurably her family and friends! Having a hellraiser older brother, I was naturally her favorite child (in my mind, at least). In reality, mom treated everyone like they were her favorite. She loved fiercely, and was equally loved.

I love and miss you mom so much, and I will see you again. But not yet...not yet!

Lora: "Bonnie had such an impact on my life. She was always very positive, I grew up in a very negative household and always had very low self esteem. When I would call Bonnie she would answer with " hi my sweet Lora" it always made me feel so loved. She always believed I could do anything I set my mind to. I always loved her for her kindness and making my dad happy all these years. She will be very missed. Not a day goes by that I don't think of the things she taught me."

Arleen: "She was the mom to me that she didn’t have to be. She saved me by being my example of of a classy, charming, loving lady. I am who I am, in great part, because of her."

Richard: "Let go and let God. Bonnie will be extremely missed. She was a surrogate mother to me from 1995. Her hugs are genuine, love, and understanding of human condition. She put me in contact with the daily planetary guide, was extremely ethical in all her business dealings. She had an art for feeling her way through and working with people. Better to be at peace then to be right. Bonnie walk the walk and stood up for values that made her very special. She believed in always put her family first I will miss her dearly. Love, Richard"

Teddy: "Above all else, grandma was genuine. She held strong to her beliefs and still managed to live life with an open mind, open arms, and open heart. While giving you room to be yourself, she'd give encouragement, support, and guidance. I've been blessed to have her in my life, a phenomenal person I couldn't help but share with those closest to me. Extra:

You could have a check mark for every synonym of "kind" when described by those who knew her."

Loraine: "She touched everyone's soul with her kindness and love. She was an amazing woman who will be missed terribly, and I adored and loved her."

Tia: "Mom (Bonnie) was warm and always welcoming, she had a way about her that just put everyone at ease. I am so blessed by Terry marrying me, made her my mom too. She always treated me as if I was her own daughter, she and daddy Don became the parents I always wanted, loving acceptance I had never known before. The first time Terry took me to meet his parents she pulled me in for one of her long loving hugs and a kiss. I always looked forward to those and I know that will be one of the things I miss the most. Her love was unconditional . I don't think anyone could deny how she shown brighter than anyone in the room she entered. I was so blessed to have had her in my life. I'm a better person for having known her. I'm going to miss you mom."

Sharon: "When I was with Bonnie, she always made me feel beautiful and loved !!

She made me feel like I was important to her…when she would look at me to tell me something, it was with sincerity – You just knew how she felt.

She was fierce and protective when she needed to be, and that came out when she talked about her beloved peacocks

Each month, without fail, the four of us would meet for dinner, taking turns on picking out a place … and it was always special !!!. – Bonnie and I would sit next to each other with her at my right side (because I’m left handed 😊) so we could hold hands throughout our dinner.

While I could never (and still can’t) keep all the names in her family straight, (about all those “T’s”) I always appreciated how Bonnie always included us on her family celebrations. – I was meant to feel like I “belonged”. It will never be the same !!!"

Edgardo: "I fully agree with my wife when she talked about Bonnie’s sincerity – She was one of the very few people that when she asked “how are you doing” you knew she really meant it – She really wanted to know. And you’d better be ready to answer with sincerity because cliches like “fine” or “ok” would not pass the “Bonnie’s Test” – She knew better. Bonnie was always interested to know when and where I would be performing and she was always there to support and encourage me – and I must say that she really spoiled me – One day I had forgotten Bonnie and Don were going to be out of town, and when I didn’t see them, I got concerned something might have happened, because she and Don never missed a gig.

And about Bonnie’s sincerity, all I could say is that every time we met and she said I love you I knew she really did. She was honest and real. And I am as honest and real now when I say: I will miss you !!!"

Regina: "Bonnie had a natural energy that radiated from her even before you walked into a room. In 2008 when Coldwell Banker let all it’s agents go from the La Canada office, I was searching for my next home to hang my real estate shingle. I had interviewed with several brokers and decided to try Podley Properties. The moment I walked in I felt home. Then I saw Bonnie and she was beaming at me. I did my interview then walked over and spoke to her. She gave me one of her famous hugs and that was all it took. We worked together ever since. However as the years passed our connection got even stronger and everyday I would come and we would hug. Not just a nice little hug, it was a long meditation hug that made others in the room stare and wonder because we would be that way sometimes for 5 minutes or more. When we would release she would say “wow, I went really deep, I saw colors” and we would be floating the rest of the day.

I feel her as I’m writing this and I take comfort that her hugs will sustain and comfort me. We may have lost an amazing soul here on earth but we are all lucky to have been in her circle. Thank you Bonnie, I am truly grateful for the gifts you gave us all."

Noreen: "I can still remember the first time I ever met Bonnie....  I had opened my own escrow company - Escrows For You and a new client of mine Anita Gray wanted me to meet her good friend and fellow Real Estate Agent at Jim Dickson Realty.  At that time their office was located in a relatively small building in La Canada.  Anita led me to the back office and there sat Miss Bonnie with her bright red hair, gorgeous clothes and of course bling.  She literally filled up the whole room with her presence.  I thought what in the world has Anita gotten me into.  Well the rest is history... Bonnie became a loyal client but most importantly a dear dear friend.  And of course an extra bonus in knowing Bon Bon was her wonderful husband Don.....

It was because of Bonnie that I met all the special people at The Foothill Center of Religious Science and that introduction changed my life.  She was truly a force of Nature and one of God's Special Angels."

Karen: "Bonnie, my hero! You always make me smile. Your love for life and people is contagious. Nobody gives a hug like you! I look around at the people you embrace as friends, and know why they are drawn to you my shine like a diamond friend… because you are everything good and honest and sincere. I speak in present 🎁 because your spirit and soul will be with me every day. You are one tough act to follow my glittery, shiny friend! Those pearly gates have nothing on you! I will cherish the memories and smile each time I think of you. You live in my heart forever. You lived a life filled with love, who could ask for anything more? You will be missed. I love you, Bonnie." 

"Hi, my name is Terese McClure. My heart goes out to Don and all the family, Bonnie and Don have been a constant in our lives since I was around 6 years old, like family you do not see all the time when you get older but know they are there. My Mom, Dee Morgan and Bonnie and Don are great friends that met through BOTA. Bonnie looks so much like my Mom and loves us so much that I always felt she was a second Mom to me. Her love and caring shaped my life, even having a hand in where my brother and I were raised. We are blessed to have her and Don when we were young, going with our Mom to BOTA Temple and all the functions that they all attended. even if we as young children did not want to. Even in my 40’s and 50’s she was a guiding light of love. Her guidance and support will be greatly missed on this earth, and I know she is still busy doing wonderful Bonnie things and dancing with Dee and all her loved ones on the other side.

We are sending all the love in the world to Don and family,

Terese"   

Bonnie is survived by her spouse Don, children Lora (Eddy), Terry (Tia), Arleen (Vincent), 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, immeasurable loved ones. She was preceeded by son Bill.

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