Bonnie Elisabeth Wilkinson

She was born February 6th, 1939 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She grew up all over Ohio, but particularly loved living in Ashland, where her mother also grew up and she would visit her grandparents. She moved to Colorado and then California in the early 60s, and settled in Orange County from 1967 to 2009. In 2009 she and her husband, Bob Wilkinson, moved to Hollister to be near her daughter, Ann, and five of her grandchildren.

She graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1961 and from Pepperdine University in 1984 with a Master of Arts in General Psychology.

She worked as a high school counselor and then as a marriage and family therapist until her retirement. She loved helping others and did so in her career and philanthropic endeavors. She was actively involved in the Women’s Club of Hollister and Hollister P.E.O. She also enjoyed belonging to the Lady Bugs, singing in the Oriana Chorale, and her book club. She lived her life to the fullest right until the end, never missing an opportunity to support her family, friends, and the community. She never turned down an opportunity for fun or to celebrate family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rachel Pruet, John Pruet (step-father), and Robert Bank, and the love of her life, Bob Wilkinson. She missed Bob every day.

She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Don Burgess, her sister, Cheryl Pruet, her children and partners, Ann Elisabeth Vasquez and Steven Vasquez, Jennifer Harper and John Harper, her grandchildren and partners, Caitlin Elisabeth Souza and Paul Souza, Ryan Lesondak and Maya Rich, Sarah Lesondak and Jonathon Turner, Jenna Lesondak-Wilson and Jordan Wilson, Elijah Aragonez, Joshua Vasquez, and her great-grandchildren, Charlotte Elisabeth Souza and Morgan Ann Lesondak. Her third great grandchild is also on the way and Bonnie was brought to tears when she heard the news.

The family would like to thank Cristina Jurevich for the care and compassion she showed Bonnie over the last few years. Bonnie worked out 4 times a week with her and we attribute her good health these last years to Cristina.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at The Barn at 6971 Airline Hwy, Tres Pinos, CA 95075 on Saturday, March 21st at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers for the family, we ask that you please consider making a donation to one of her favorite causes, the Women’s Club of Hollister. Every year she put her heart into helping with their Scholarship Committee to make sure young local women had access to attend and afford higher education. If you wish to contribute, it would mean so much to her. The Women’s Club of Hollister will be creating a scholarship fund in her name. Please go to their website to donate and note it is for the BW scholarship fund. Thank you. You can click on the link below under 'Donations.'

We also ask that if you would like to share photos or stories of her, please post them here on the website or, if you need help, send them to her granddaughter, Caitlin Souza, at 831-673-0703. Thank you all for your support and love during this time.