Dolores "Bonnie" Joan Byrne

Bonnie was born in West Orange, New Jersey, on July 13, 1945, the second of six children born to Jim and Dolores Fowler. Raised in a close-knit, loving family, she moved to the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles as a young child and attended St. Genevieve’s School. She was always proud to be part of the very first class to attend St. Genevieve’s from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade.

It was on that playground where Bonnie met the love of her life, Tom Byrne. Years later, her dream came true and they married and built a beautiful life together, happily celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this past July.

Before starting her family, Bonnie worked several jobs, often reminiscing about her cherished time with the Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation. Following the birth of her first daughter, Christy, she dedicated herself to being a full-time homemaker, later welcoming daughter Penny and son Peter. Tom’s career with Chevron eventually brought the family to San Diego, where they settled permanently. Her children fondly remember coming home from school to her warm embrace and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.

Bonnie’s gentle spirit and bright, welcoming smile were a comfort to all who knew her. She was a gracious host who loved cooking fabulous meals and baking for others. An avid reader, she also developed a passion for tole painting and knitting once her children were grown—leaving behind a warm legacy of handmade scarves cherished by family and friends.

Above all, Bonnie’s favorite role was being "Nana" to her four grandchildren. She was their biggest supporter, rarely missing a school play, award ceremony, or sporting event. More recently, she was blessed to become a great-grandmother. Though her illness limited her speech in recent years, her face lit up with her signature magical smile whenever her grandchildren and great-grandson came to visit.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on October 9th at 11:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1001 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bonnie’s honor to Alzheimer’s San Diego.