Seaside — Educator

Sept. 25, 1933 — Sept. 27, 2015

Bonita Louise “Bonnie” DeGandi passed away Sunday, Sept. 27, at Suzanne Elise Assisted Living in Seaside. Bonnie was born on Sept. 25, 1933, in Cathlamet, Washington, to Elmer and Carrie (Hampson) Stone.

Bonnie graduated with honors from Milwaukie High School in 1951, and Oregon College of Education in 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She was president of her fraternity, Kappa Pi, and vice president of her senior class.

Bonnie married Leslie Allen DeGandi on Sept. 3, 1955, and entered her teaching career until they started a family. After her family got older, she returned to teaching and most notably taught first grade at Cannon Beach Elementary. She always fondly remembered her former students and staff at Cannon Beach. She teased that even though Les was principal at Cannon Beach, she was the boss at home.

She loved to share her teaching stories. Bonnie was an avid reader, loved arts and crafts, traveling, spending time with family, socializing with friends, and adored her cat, Olé.

After 52 years of marriage, Les passed away in 2008. Bonnie is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law: Timothy and Lori DeGandi of Warrenton, Thomas and Susan DeGandi of Bend, and Tracy and Patricia DeGandi of Seaside. Grandchildren are: Christine, Timmy, Alicia (husband Garrett), Brittany (husband Ben), Tiffany, Cody, Katie, Mitchal, Nicholas, Benjamin, and Lori. Bonnie also had 12 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery on Beerman Creek Road, west entrance (same road where Bonnie and Les used to live), at noon on Sunday, Oct. 11.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Seaside Public Library, in care of Hughes-Ransom Mortuary and Crematory, 220 N. Holladay Drive, Seaside, OR 97138

Hughes-Ransom Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book may be signed at www.hughes-ransom.com.