Obituary of Bonnie Bernardi

Robert Bernardi and Bonnie Bernardi Residents of Santa Cruz County for over 50 years After 53 years of marriage, Bob and Bonnie passed away within one year of each other, something that seems fitting to anyone who knew them. Bonnie and Bob moved from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz in 1967 after Bob was recruited by Plantronics. Bonnie immediately became involved in community work, creating a strong legacy of support for the arts in Santa Cruz County. During his 50 year tenure, Bob was instrumental in building Plantronics into the company it is today. He held a myriad of positions, including President of Plantronics. He helped design and build many products including the Starset, which was used by the astronauts on their first trip to the moon, and he holds 17 patents. He was a mentor and friend to many, an avid lover of the arts, was involved in running and cycling before it was popular, and could recite poems and Shakespeare that he learned in his youth. Bonnie started her public service with the League of Women Voters and the Board of Lyceum for gifted kids. She then joined the board of the Cabrillo Music Festival, helping to bring talented artists to the then small community. She served as the founding chair of Spectra, an award-winning arts education program, garnering its first NEA grant and putting Santa Cruz County arts on the map. She also served as President of the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County which recently named its Legacy Circle in Bonnie's honor. She also served as President of the Board for Shakespeare Santa Cruz. Both Bob and Bonnie enjoyed the Santa Cruz Symphony and helped sponsor its concerts. Bonnie was a talented chef and gardener and was known for her excellent garden parties. In recent years, she picked up the brush and started painting and had also become proficient with bonsai. It was Bob's last wish to support the Therapy Area in the new Rehabilitation Garden of Dominican hospital and Bonnie spent the last year making that a reality. Bonnie also generously funded the acquisition of a second eksoskeleton bionic walker for the hospital. Bonnie and Bob are survived by their children, Cindy (Jeff) Ghielmetti and Sandra (Jonathan) McQueen, and their grandchildren Christina, Victoria, Annika and Alden. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Dominican Hospital Foundation - Healing Gardens, 1555 Soquel Dr., Santa Cruz, Ca 95065 in Bob and Bonnie's name.