Bonnie Joy Olimpio passed away surrounded by her loving family at her home in Davenport on August 27, 2017 after a long struggle with lung cancer. She now joins her husband, Emilio Olimpio Jr. and son Ronald Olimpio in Heaven.
She was born July 28, 1942 in Watsonville, the daughter of Joy del Seitsinger Miller and Cecil Miller. She grew up in Watsonville and was a graduate of Watsonville High School. Bonnie worked many years at Adolph’s Restaurant where she built a life-long friendship with Bobbie and Ardilla Camarlinghi. Their friendship took them on many travels together, including an annual trip to Shasta every summer. Bonnie loved reading, doing crossword puzzles and playing Yahtzee or Rummy. Playing a game with Bonnie could last for hours. She played cards every Tuesday with her girlfriends Ardilla, Tish, Barbara, Rita and many others. She hosted countless Poker nights where no one ever went home hungry. For many years, she and her husband Junior attended classic car shows where they showed their 1940 Chevy Deluxe convertible.
Bonnie’s passion was taking care of her family. She loved to cook and always wanted to be certain that everyone was well fed. She loved her family like no other mother could. Her granddaughter Nicole and her grandson Anthony gave her much joy. And even in her last week, wanted to be certain they were eating.
She is survived by her daughter, Cheri Olimpio Perez; sons, Les Olimpio, Martin Olimpio and Doug Olimpio; brother, Ronald Miller of La Paz, Mexico and Jacqueline McGuire of Santa Cruz; her grandchildren, Nicole Perez, Anthony Perez, Jaqueline Olimpio, Emilio D. Olimpio, Jr., Timothy Olimpio, Rachel Aldrete Olimpio and Mercedes Olimpio. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Emilio Olimpio, Jr; son, Ronald F. Olimpio; and her parents, Joy del Seitsinger Miller and Cecil Miller.
A gathering of family and friends to celebrate her life will be held on Friday September 1, 2017 at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St., Santa Cruz, CA from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. If you would like to express your condolences or share a memory with Bonnie’s family please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com.
Bonnie’s family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Santa Cruz and their staff for the loving and gentle care they provided Bonnie in her final days. A special thanks to Yessica, Lynn, Jade and Gina.
In lieu of flowers contributions are preferred to Hospice of Santa Cruz, 940 Disc Dr., Scotts Valley, CA 95066.
