Bonnie Joyce Sand's Obituary
Bonnie Joyce Sand was born in Tacoma, Washington on January 30, 1925, and left to meet her Lord August 7, 2005 in the same city. The second daughter of Elmer Smith and Viola Smith (Lewis) is survived by her sister Leona, and her three brothers, Chuck, Lewis, and George.Her family moved to Anderson Island, and soon after that her father passed away in 1936. Her mother took on the incredible task of raising five children, ranging in age from four months (George) to 12 years old (Chuck). She was a strong lady, full of grit and determination, and a powerful influence shaping BonnieÂ's spiritual beliefs in a loving God.In 1943 Bonnie graduated from Puyallup High School. Shortly after, she went to work for Boeing at their Renton plant. George Sand married her in 1945, and became a driver for Greyhound Bus Lines. They both enjoyed traveling and her husbandÂ's job enabled them to share adventures throughout the entire United States. Later, they had the good fortune to travel to Europe, and were able to meet some of GeorgesÂ' Norwegian relatives. Though it meant relearning the language, it proved to be the trip of a lifetime. The couples had one daughter together and were foster parents to twenty six children over a ten year period. Choosing to adopt two of them, is a testimony to the kind caring people they were.Bonnie lost her husband in 1983, and moved from the mainland back to her childhood haven Â- Anderson Island. She spent some of her time teaching at the church and the school to fifth grade children. She taught arts and crafts, often using beach shells, agates, and glass. She had the wonderful opportunity to share her knowledge and history of Â"the oldÂ" Anderson Island, as she put it. Many of the island children called her grandma, adding a nickname. She became Â"Grandma BunnyÂ".One of her most enjoyable things to do was to bake, especially Norwegian pastries. She made meals every week for a time for the workers for the Anderson Island Historical Association, and she took treats to the local fire department.When island clubs needed volunteers, she was right there. Bonnie loved people and people found it easy to love her back. She made friends everywhere, and all of them were important to her. Bonnie was involved in all the activities of the island. She loved the fair, the Bible studies, the cider squeeze, and even enjoyed all the club meetings. She started her own club, meant to widows and widowers. They called it the Solo Club. One year on ValentineÂ's Day, she was chosen to be Â"Queen of the island for the day, and she loved it. She really liked special occasions, and she really looked good in her cape and crown.Bonnie persevered through a series of health challenges at Orchard Park. The picture with the big red ball is her working with a physical therapist. She took on challenges, even when she was in pain. Bonnie passed away peacefully. The last conversation I had with her she was worried about her family and all the people around her. I am thankful that I sat down beside her and took a lot of time to tell her good things about all these people, and she even smiled at me several times.Arrangements are in the care of Mountain View Funeral Home in Tacoma.Share memories of Bonnie and sign the online guest register at www.mountainviewtacoma.com. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Anderson Island Cemetery Fund, (253)884-4977, where she will be interred with her husband. We will have a small service at the gravesite, at the end of September and we will get the date and time out to people on the island.
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