Resident of Cupertino

Carol Bonzell, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, teacher, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2024, with her beloved family by her side.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Margaret and John C. Kelterer, in-law parents, Viola and Frank Bonzell, devoted aunt Eleanor Harrington, and brother, John C. Kelterer, Jr.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Frank; sons, Steven Bonzell (Kimberly) and Scott Bonzell (Deborah); and daughters Sharlene Bonzell Jackman (Bradley) and Shelly Bonzell Walker ( Josh). She leaves behind her 12 cherished grandchildren, Amanda Bonzell Thomas (Will), Dr. Ashley Bonzell Salas (Chris), Dr. Matthew Bonzell (Tori), Dr. Zachary Bonzell, Casey Bonzell, Cameron Bonzell, Clint Jackman, Clark Jackman, Callan Jackman, Jackson Walker, Coleton Walker, Anderson Walker; and six great-grandchildren, Jace, Avery, and Beckham Thomas; Caroline and Sunday Bonzell; and Ezekiel Salas.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Carol attended Holy Name Elementary School and Presentation High School, where she was a member of the California Scholarship Federation and elected to leadership roles. Following high school graduation, Carol matriculated to the University of California at Berkeley, where she pursued a career in education, majoring in History and English. A member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, she met many new friends, giving her a spirit of belonging. She was always thrilled to hear the Campanile bells ring out with the song, "Happy Birthday," on March 23 every year. Carol and her chosen university shared the same birthday!

Following graduation, a teaching credential in hand, Carol was hired as a first-grade teacher in the San Francisco Unified School District. This was to be short-lived, as during her spring break, she married her longtime love, Frank Bonzell, and the couple moved to Palo Alto, where Frank was pursuing a master's degree in preparation for a long and successful career as a Master Teacher in high school mathematics.

During her four children's school careers, Carol was involved in supporting school activities as an aide, being a Girl Scout leader, and was a loyal supporter of both boys' and girls' sports.

Eventually, Carol returned to her teaching career and, until her retirement, enjoyed the camaraderie of a wonderful teaching staff and classes of delightful first grade children in the Evergreen School community.

Following the raising and educating of their children, Carol and Frank retired from teaching, which allowed them time to visit and explore countless countries and their own beloved U.S.A. They traveled extensively, experiencing new cultures, foods, and ways of life. They visited six continents - North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Australia, and Africa.

Because of Carol's love of writing, she enrolled in a memoir writing class, where she made many new friends, wrote of her own experiences, and enjoyed hearing of her classmates' personal stories. After several years, she had many stories from which to select when publishing a book for her family.

Carol and Frank were active members of the St. Joseph of Cupertino parish. Carol was a lector and Eucharistic Minister and, as such, had a mission to bring Holy Communion to shut-in Catholic parishioners and Catholic patients at Kaiser Hospital. She found this rewarding work that strengthened ever further her Catholic faith.

Carol's favorite thing was being with her grandchildren, with whom she had a loving relationship. Her favorite keepsakes were pictures of her 12 grandchildren, which gave her an everyday look at her blessings.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 4, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Joseph of Cupertino Church, located at 10110 N. De Anza Boulevard, Cupertino.