Bonnie Bonneau

December 15, 1946 - December 2, 2021. Bonnie was the first child born to Leo F. and Margaretta (Bettie) B. Bonneau and the first grandchild on both sides of the family. Most of Bonnie’s youth was in Nebraska and Kansas, finally settling in Grand Island, NE, for high school. However, she considered Bancroft, NE, home, where her paternal grandparents resided throughout. Bonnie graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BA in journalism. After graduation she stayed in Lincoln where she worked as a reporter and for the city. Bonnie then joined friends and, as many did in the 60’s, traveled the country, eventually making her way to Taos, New Mexico. Living just outside Taos, Bonnie used her artistic talents to make jewelry and many other crafts.  Later, she cared for families of special needs children.  Bonnie volunteered at the elementary school, creating an annual vegetable garden, complete with fruit trees, alongside the children. Her home was a haven for her much-loved cats and the wild birds at her feeders. In the high desert, she nurtured lovely plants inside and out. Throughout her life, Bonnie has been politically active. This started with her support for Eugene McCarthy in 1968. Once in Taos, she joined many demonstrations to help us all understand the dangers of nuclear power and warfare, then continued with many letters to her representatives regarding causes important to her. She also shared her ability to work through the political process to help others. Bonnie was preceded in death by her mother and father, her brother, John, and sister-in-law Daryl Gardner-Bonneau. Bonnie is survived by brothers Will (Mary) and David (Debra Pedersen), nieces and nephews, aunts, cousins, and her dear New Mexico friends. Bonnie had a very serious illness in the winter and spring of 2021 and died from assumed complications in Santa Fe months later.  Memorial donations should be directed to Citizens for Alternatives to Radioactive Dumping (C.A.R.D.), PO Box 485 in Dixon, NM 87527.

The family of Bonnie Bonneau has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos.  866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com