Bonita Koojoolian Obituary

Bonnie A. Koojoolian, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully on the morning of April 19, 2025, at the age of 84.
Born on September 14, 1940, in Alameda, California, Bonnie was the eldest of seven children to Donna and Glenn Thomas. She was a loving sister to Kenneth Thomas (deceased), Sam Spear (deceased), Mary Spear, Donna Spear-Lopez, Nancy Rogers, and Julie Thomas.
Bonnie graduated from Alameda High School in 1958, where she forged lifelong friendships. She married her sweetheart, Harold A. Koojoolian, on March 3, 1962, and together they raised three children: Teresa (married to Ed Belfanti), Paul (married to Mary Blaser), and Amy Esnault.
Bonnie adored her six grandchildren: Michael (and wife Melissa), Nicholas (and wife Kelly), and Dominic Belfanti; William and Charles Esnault; and Kate Koojoolian. She was overjoyed by the recent birth of her great-grandson, Wesley Belfanti. Her extended family included many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Faith was central to Bonnie's life, second only to her love for family. She was a devoted Catholic, beginning her journey at St. Philip Neri in Alameda and continuing for the past 55 years as a dedicated parishioner at St. Monica in Moraga.
Bonnie was both a devoted homemaker and a civil servant. During the 1970s, she served on the Moraga School District Board, where she advocated passionately for education. She often said that raising her children were the happiest years of her life-until she became a grandmother.
A woman of many interests, Bonnie gave generously of her time and talents. She supported St. Monica's "Shoes That Fit" program, which provided resources to St. Anthony School in East Oakland. She was also a proud member of the Moraga Garden Club, where she nurtured her love of gardening and cultivated lasting friendships.
Later in life, Bonnie returned to the workforce, most notably serving the community of St. Isidore School in Danville for 17 years, retiring in 2022 at the age of 81. She found great joy in her work and formed many dear friendships there as well.
Faith, family, and friendship were the pillars of Bonnie's life-interwoven to create a beautiful legacy and a life well lived.
Services
A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 10:15 a.m. at St. Monica Church in Moraga. A private burial will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bonnie's name to:
St. Philip Neri Catholic School Tuition Assistance Fund
1335 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501
St. Vartan Armenian Church
650 Spruce Street, Oakland, CA 94610