October 8, 1940 - October 3, 2022
Nelda (Huber) Bonifacio of Gresham, Oregon, passed away at the age of 81 on Monday, October 3, 2022, after a fierce battle with pancreatic cancer in Independence, Oregon, surrounded by family.
Nelda was born October 8, 1940, to Gilbert and Lucile Huber, in Lind, Washington, with her two older brothers: Archie and Elvin. She graduated from Joseph High School in 1958. Eastern Oregon held a special place in Nelda’s heart. She attended Eastern Oregon University after high school and was a proud alumna of EOU graduating with her degree in Education. She met some of her best and dearest friends there, Mary Kay (Gray) Bosquet, Valene (Mitchell) Dalley, Eloise (Reynolds) Dielman, and many others.
In 1974 Nelda married and made her home in Gresham, Oregon, where she lived for 48 years. Nelda taught middle school physical education and health in the Centennial School District for thirty years, and she also coached different team sports and track.
Nelda had two children, María and Artigas; and three grandchildren, all of whom she loved very deeply.
Nelda loved life and did her best to fill her life with amazing memories with traveling, cruises, spending time with family and friends, Mariners baseball, flowers - especially her roses, Jeopardy, crossword puzzles, bunco, water aerobics, and adventures. She traveled the world with family and friends from Mexico and Uruguay to Spain and France and every corner of the United States. Nelda was an amazing mom and supporter of her children’s passions. She attended all athletic events for both Arti and Maria. She also made it to all of Maria’s band trips, concerts and competitions across the nation and often was a chaperone and known to all as Momma B.
Nelda was known for her love of telling stories about her adventures and loved sharing with everyone she met, everyone!
Nelda is survived by her son Artigas Bonifacio and wife Elaine; daughter Maria Bonifacio-Sample and wife Dana; grandchildren Beatrice, Eleanor, and Cecilia Bonifacio; her “adopted” french-daughter Maelle Cravic, niece Lynn Huber and her spouse Mel Ah Mu; nephews Elvin Huber, Melvin Huber, Gilbert Huber and their families; furry grandchildren - Munya, Dakota, Tala, and Oliver; and many great nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Nelda was preceded in death by her parents Gilbert and Lucile Huber; brother Elvin Huber and sister-in-law Juanita (Romine) Huber; brother Archie Huber and sister-in-law Ruth (Klaus) Huber; her travel partner, friend, and aunt Beatrice Leota (Huber) Roberts - lovingly referred to as Tía.
Her private Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at a later date in her beloved back yard.
Nelda was cared for by her daughter Maria at her home in Independence, OR after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2022. Willamette Vital Health provided exceptional care and comfort to Nelda and family during the past two months. For information on how you can make an impact with a gift to Willamette Vital Health, email [email protected] or call 503.877.1344.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Oregon Guide Dogs for the Blind, an important cause to which Nelda donated regularly.
32901 SE Kelso Rd Boring, OR 97009
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.batemancarrollfunerals.com for the BONIFACIO family.
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