San Bruno loses dedicated civil servant

First elected to the position in 2005, Bonner was known for her commitment to her work, deep community roots and generally cheerful demeanor shared from her post at the front desk of the city’s headquarters.

Bonner, who was formally transitioning away from her position, died Monday, Jan. 24, according to city officials. Flags are flying above City Hall at half staff in her memory.

“She was always a dear friend. She was the face of City Hall and that was a great compliment to her and it is exactly what she wanted to be,” said former vice mayor Ken Ibarra.

Bonner recently completed her third consecutive term as clerk, and was slated to retire under the city’s recent decision to hire the position rather than appoint it via election.

She joined Ibarra, City Manager Connie Jackson and former mayor Jim Ruane to receive recognition at a recent City Council meeting, as all four announced late last year their intent to retire from civic service. Bonner stayed on board in a limited role to smooth the transition for her successor.

The most recent San Bruno and Millbrae city council meetings were adjourned in her honor.

“It’s a loss. She was an individual who greeted people with that shiny disposition,” said Mayor Rico Medina.

Those who knew Bonner shared their admiration for her tenacious desire to work as clerk, as she lost elections in 1989 and 1993 prior to eventually winning voter support in 2005, when she supplanted her predecessor Ed Simon.

Beyond her work at the city, Bonner was known as an active member of the community at St. Robert’s Catholic Church in San Bruno, where she was a part of the church council.

The Rev. John Green shared fond memories of Bonner’s faithfulness to her church, family and work.

“She was a good lady. Strong. Very talented and very devoted to the city and to the church,” he said.

Beyond those interests, Green recalled Bonner’s appreciation for collectibles, as he recently visited her home during the holiday season and was awed by her impressive display of Christmas decorations.

“We are very sorry to lose her,” said Green.

Professionally, Bonner was an assistant vice president and premier banker at Wells Fargo. Personally, she was an active member at the local senior center, as well as a painter and gardener. She lived in San Bruno for more than 40 years.

In her role as clerk, Bonner was charged with maintaining the city’s records and municipal code, overseeing city elections, assuring transparency and recording the City Council’s decisions, among other obligations.

In 2014, Bonner received the Presidential Humanitarian Award of Excellence from the City Clerk’s Association of California, the state’s professional organization designed to promote the profession.

To those who frequented San Bruno City Hall though, Bonner was known for her omnipresence, good nature and deep knowledge of all things San Bruno.

“She enjoyed greeting people and being engaged with folks,” said Medina.

austin@smdailyjournal.com

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