Matilde Bonilla Sternfels

Matilde “Maty” Rosalia Bonilla Sternfels, 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 25, 2017 in Covington surrounded by her family. She was born on April 23, 1934 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, to Felix and Rosalia (Cobos) Bonilla. She was a 1952 valedictorian graduate of McGehee High School and in 1956 graduated Newcomb University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree. Shortly after, she worked at Southern Baptist Hospital as a medical technologist for many years. She married Roland Julius Sternfels on May 6, 1966 in New Orleans. Maty and her husband enjoyed traveling the world, eating fine foods and spirits, and actively pursuing ministries in the Catholic Church. Later in life, nothing gave Maty more pleasure than spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren: Roland, Ellie, Ivan, Mamo, Christian, Donnie, Mattie, and Annie. They will miss their “Ama” but will cherish their memories of her. Maty is preceded in death by her husband, Roland J Sternfels. She is survived by her 2 sons, Roland Isidore, and Felix Julius, 2 daughter-in-law’s, Gina and Kathleen, as well as 8 grandchildren, and many godchildren, in particular, Frances Crespo. The Sternfels family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at the Post Acute Medical Hospital in Covington. Specifically, those in the High Visibility Unit for their attentiveness and loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Maty’s name to the support and networking organization, Forward at 240 Plymouth Dr, Mandeville, LA 70471. Forward's mission is to help children and families with autism and other disabilities in our own communities, as Maty had a grandchild with autism. Forward and its mission was dear to her heart. The family will receive friends at St Jules Catholic Church (7161 LA-1, Belle Rose) on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 from 9:00 am until the time of service. Funeral mass will be held at 11:00am at St Jules Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the St Jules Cemetery behind the church.