Bonnie Lee Fierst

Bonnie passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on January 25, 2021 in El Paso following a very courageous battle with cancer. Born on April 6, 1952 to Adolph and Thelma Mae Felauer, Bonnie grew up in Millstone, New Jersey and always loved the beautiful seasons and the sea shore.

She married Gerald Fierst in 1970 and took a leap of faith, moving across the country to make a home in El Paso, Texas. They had two children together, Kim and Jason. Bonnie lived in Northeast El Paso for over 50 years.

Bonnie loved all things to do with children, and volunteered extensively with the Ysleta Independent School District, eventually taking on a part-time job as a school bus matron, assisting special needs children on their bus rides. She earned her CDL license and began driving school bus for the district, and was known for her perfect safety record and even won the Bus Rodeo which tests driver expertise and reaction time. Bonnie joined Sun Metro-The Lift as a contractor, then converted to a full time employee, ultimately spending nearly 30 years serving passengers and co-workers of Sun Metro. First she was a driver at The Lift, then then she moved into an administrative role, in which she helped thousands of clients get set up for services. She was patient and kind and always willing to go the extra mile to help anyone in need. She was also well-loved by her co-workers and drivers, always remembering birthdays and bringing in special treats to brighten people’s day. She retired in 2017 and was very proud of the career she had with Sun Metro.

Bonnie’s greatest passion in life was her family and she was a wonderful mother and grandmother. From sewing costumes to leading Girl Scout troops, to acting as a 4H Leader and camp chaperone to allowing her children to raise many different kinds of animals — Bonnie could always be counted on to do whatever it took to support their interests and activities. She received the the distinct honor of the 4H Leadership Excellence Award in 1989 for her contributions to the El Paso County 4H program. She was a community education instructor at El Paso Community College, teaching sewing classes. She was also a great cook and was known for her “moveable feasts” — she never showed up to a gathering empty handed, bringing a number of her signature dishes as well as her festive spirit. She was incredibly generous and she loved to give gifts. She was also wildly sentimental and loved anything that was given to her, whether it was a gift or words of affection. She was always up for trying something new or taking on an adventure. One of her favorite things to do was to take impromptu drives, often driving up to the mountains in New Mexico just to get out. She also loved to travel, making trips to Alaska, Washington, California, and Hawaii in recent years and loved trying new restaurants or recipes. She truly loved life and made the best of every day, choosing to see the bright side of every situation.

Bonnie was unique and sweet and special, and will surely be missed, but she will live on in each of the people that she loved and whose lives she touched. She leaves behind her brother Rich Felauer (partner Diane Andersen) of Hillsborough, New Jersey, sister Carol Halm of Millstone, New Jersey, daughter Kimberly Johnston (husband Eric Johnston) of Dallas, Texas, son Jason Fierst (wife Stephanie Fierst) of Spokane, Washington, grandchildren Corinne Fierst, Nathan Johnston, Ashley Fierst, and Hayden Fierst, and many dear friends whom she counted as family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Fierst, her father, Adolph Felauer, her mother Thelma Mae Felauer, and brother Robert Felauer.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date when gatherings are safer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her honor to METAVIVOR at Metavivor.org, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to metastatic breast cancer research, awareness and support. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West