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Many thanks to Holly Romans (Green) for providing the following comments and obituary.
It is with deep sadness that I am sending news of the death of Bonnie Robinson who passed away August 16th, 2021, just short of her 75th birthday. She had been having some health issues, but she suffered a catastrophic stroke a few days before she died. I met her in kindergarten at Oakton School and we maintained communications sporadically through seventy years. Of late, I heard more from her. She would check in to see how my husband was doing and we would reminisce about ETHS and the fun we had together as cheerleaders, and she would talk about her career as a reporter in LA. She had quite a life. She had the love and support of Brendan Bourne her long time partner (I only met him once at our 25th reunion, I think?) and she adored her precious dog, Teddy. I will remember her tenderly and I will chuckle remembering her outrageous laughter and I will miss those thoughtful unpredictable calls. I send you my love and God speed, Bonnie. ❤️
Obituary:
Bonnie Ellen Robinson died August 16, 2021 in the hospital at Mammoth Lakes, California after a short illness.
Born September 28, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Herb and Claire Segal Robinson. Bonnie grew up in Evanston Illinois, graduating with an English degree from the University of Iowa. She taught English at Hinsdale Central High School for several years before pursuing her love of writing as a career. She started her professional career in journalism at Playboy magazine in Chicago before relocating to Los Angeles in the early 1980’s. She became a respected print and television journalist.
A gourmet food and wine connoisseur, she was the consummate hostess at numerous dinner parties for her friends. She was also an athlete, attending gym classes daily, an avid tennis player and accomplished skier. For many years she was a fixture on the Aspen, Colorado social scene.
Bonnie made her home in Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierras after becoming captivated by the tranquility, majestic scenery and world class winter sports.
She is survived by her long-time partner Brendan Bourne, her beloved therapy dog Teddy, and many friends. Surviving family members are her brother Larry (Marilyn) Robinson, nieces Lisa (Jeff) Schulkin (Allison and Samuel), and Debra (Todd) Katz (Isabelle and Dylan).
A memorial service is planned for a later date. Memorial contributions should be made to your favorite animal shelter or animal welfare charity.
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Thomas Wardell
I became much closer to Bonnie over these past few years. Our common denominator besides ETHS was downhill skiing and she graciously hosted Nancy and I for a few nights' stay at her place in Mammoth a couple years ago. I have skied many great areas and Mammoth quickly moved up to near the top of the list-Bonnie picked a great area to settle down in and finish out her time here on earth. When we spoke a couple of months ago she acknowledged she was "terminal" but sounded great and was looking forward to our next visit. A wonderful hostess and a good hearted, fun friend to be around-I too will miss Bonnie...
Nancy Schroeder
I hadn't talked to or seen Bonnie except for our reunions. I so do remember her happy loud fun laughter. We had classes together all through our 4 years. Always smiling and a fun person. So sorry for her death. RIP
Kathy Dalgety (Miehls)
I'm sorry to learn about Bonnie's death...added to the growing list of classmates from 1964. While I wasn't a friend of Bonnie, my memory of her is one of overt happiness and energy. She will be missed by so many. RIP, Bonnie.
Suzanne Linfield (Spindler)
Just shocked about Bonnie's passing. I knew her from Dawes. We were not close but I noted how active she was. She was very bright and very pretty.Jeanie (Jessica) Witkin (Zeller)
Oh this is a sad day..I so agree with everyone who has shared these remembrances of Bonnie. Bonnie was my first friend when my family moved from Rogers Park to Evanston and I started at Dawes in 5th grade. She lived across the alley from me and we had so many "first" experiences ;-) in her basement! With boys! She was a sort of initiator for me! This is, indeed, a shocking passing - getting very close to Home. Our mortality is becoming more and more present. Cannot be in denial about how vulnerable we are at this age, during these times...
My heart goes out to all who are sharing the grief of this passing.
Thank you, Holly for your attention to these matters.
Mike Barnes
I'm so sorry to hear of Bonnie's passing. She was such a live and spirited person.
Elaine Borland (Purnell)
I too am saddened by Bonnie's passing. I knew of her in high school. But knew her better years later. Wish I had known her even better. She was an amazing woman.
Ruth Gross
Among those of us in the class of '64, even if you didn't know Bonnie Robinson, you knew (of) Bonnie Robinson, so once again, this passing hits us all. Most of us "girls" were envious of her, because she had an amazing figure and was "sexy" long before it was allowable. And she had a spark that was oh,so attractive. She accomplished so much during her life, and like others, I am sorry that I never really knew her. Here's to you, Bonnie Robinson!
Gale Glassner (Twersky)
I have known Bonnie since we were 10 yrs. old. However, it was once I had moved to Los Angeles that we had the chance to get reacquainted and become close friends. Our dogs instantly became best friends and we took care of each other's dog when one of us was out of town. Bonnie would regularly host a dinner party for friends and the dinner was always filled with her delicious gourmet style cuisine. There was always good conversation and lots of fun. My husband and I were fortunate to meet Brendan, her partner (and a really great guy) and stay with them in Mammouth for a weekend. There were so many happy memories to recall. Bonnie was always ready to help others which is a reflection of her kindness and good heart. She never let her health issues get her down. She had a ton of courage. Life will not be the same without her.
Helga Zirkel (Schwarten)
So many "in memory" notifications of late. Some named I fondly remember, like Bonnie Robinson, beautifully spirited, fun, and joyful to be around. Others I did not really know ... but all the losses are deeply felt. Each passing takes away from our class and from each one of us ... but love will surely save their place in our hearts.