Alma Angelina Bonino

She graduated from Star of the Sea Academy in 1946 and after a brief career as a dental assistant, she married the love of her life, Floyd Bonino in 1950. Alma moved to Floyd’s hometown of Los Angeles. The birth of their eldest, Mark, brought them to their long-time Los Feliz home. In time, they welcomed Gina, Joey and Maria. This home would become the hub of all family activities and celebrations. Alma would continue to live there for the next 75 years.

Alma and Floyd were devout Catholics who made significant sacrifices to provide a Catholic education for all of their children and insisted on college within the University of California system.

They enjoyed a vigorous social life: American Legion Post #570, monthly poker group dinners with their Italian childhood friends, Mothers Guild luncheons, Adoption Guild and especially the many activities of their beloved Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish and its excellent staff of Augustinian Friars. Her dining table was always full. Friends, neighbors, staff and clergy from OMGC, Immaculate Heart, and Loyola High School enjoyed her incredible food and hospitality.

In 1980, after the sudden death of her husband Floyd, she was thrust into the position of matriarch and business manager for the Bonino family. She continued to care for her family throughout her life.

In addition to her family and her faith, Alma had three passions: shoes, dishes and travel. Although she was ALWAYS very careful with money, she believed that a comfortable pair of shoes was worth paying for and dishes were more than something to put food on. They were works of art. She was an incredible cook and collected many, many different sets of dishes to set her table beautifully. Alma also had a passion for travel. She managed to go many places throughout the country and the world. We all remember her favorite saying “Always take the trip!” But her favorite place to go was back to the family’s home town in her beloved Italia. In Chiavari she was re-energised - walking everywhere and greeting family on every street corner. In spite of every trip no summer was complete without some time spent in San Clemente. We would all gather on the beach to play in the waves, read books and to watch the sunsets.

Alma was also an avid gardener. Her devotion and care for growing things was evident throughout the property. We considered her house to be the orchid hospital for us all. She always managed to bring our almost dead orchids back to life! Alma was also convinced that Mickey Mouse was invented just for her. They share a birthday so every time Mickey celebrated - Alma celebrated - usually by going to Disneyland with the family. Mickey Mouse was with her right up to the end.

Alma relished her role as Nonni to her grandchildren: Christopher and Lesli, Lisa, & Julie Bonino; Sarah and Tom Repetto & David Finer; Michael and Martha Britsch, Claire and Olivia Bonino-Bronec & Anne Marie Bonino-Britsch.

With the birth of her great-grandchildren Joshua and Luca Repetto & Teddy and Wesley Britsch, she achieved her final role as a BizNonni: these four last joys that gave her great pleasure.

Alma lived long and well. She passed away peacefully in her home and goes on to reunite with her husband, parents, brother and a great many friends. She is survived by four children, eight grandchildren & four great-grandchildren: Mark (Dianne) Bonino: Christopher (Lesli), Lisa, Julie Bonino; Gina (Gary Finer): Sarah (Tom Repetto) Joshua & Luca; David Finer; Joey (Julie) Bonino & Maria (Jeff Bonino-Britsch): Michael (Martha) Britsch Teddy & Wesley; Claire (Olivia) Bonino-Bronec & Anne Marie Bonino-Britsch.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Immaculate Heart High School, Loyola High School or to the Order of Augustinians.