Dorothy Murray Bonugli

Dorothy Jo (Dottie) Murray Bonugli returned to the arms of her heavenly father on September 27, 2024. Dorothy was born in San Antonio, Texas on October 24, 1928. Her parents were C.D. Murray and Inez (Dolly) Keller Murray. Dorothy returned home to reunite with her beloved husband Joseph H. Bonugli whom she kissed goodnight till the day she passed. Dorothy was preceded in death by her Joe, parents, sister, countless aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. The great friends she met and treasured in life were surely all present to receive her home and get caught up. Her mind is now clear, her body strong. Her heart is overflowing with joy to be home.

Mom had a wonderful and colorful childhood. She lived her entire life proud to be a direct descendent of William and Levicy Bloodgood, her great-great grandparents, who were part of the “Old Three Hundred” families that came with Steven F. Austin to settle Texas in 1824. She was loved and raised by parents that adored her. Mom was raised in a modest household, but her parents saw that she never wanted for anything. She had numerous aunts and uncles, all Kellers and Murrays. They were her role models in life. Mom had a younger sister, Betsy, who died at an early age. Mom told us she always wanted more brothers and sisters. Her cousins became her siblings. Our mother attended St. Henry’s Catholic School from 1st grade through high school and was always top of her class. She loved learning and excelled. She earned an academic scholarship to Our Lady of the Lake University where she thrived and continued her quest for knowledge. It was at OLL that our mother joined Kappa Sigma Phi Sorority, an organization that she cherished being a member and leader of until her later years in life. Mom deeply loved and respected the Sisters of Divine Providence and believed so fervently in their teaching style she would later have all 7 of her children educated at St. Martin Hall under the direction of OLL. Thank you, Mom, for that opportunity. Mom graduated from OLL and became a medical lab technician at Santa Rosa Hospital.

It wasn’t long after she began her career, that she married the love of her life, Joseph Bonugli. They fell in love at a young age and married on Nov. 25, 1948. They did not know the road ahead, but both had strong faith in God, strong work ethics, deep respect and love for each other. Our mother loved us 7 children unconditionally, but it was always clear who her heart belonged to and that was her Joe. Mom supported her Joe as he grew the family business, Mission Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Co. She was a great encourager and understood the late nights and weekend jobs our father committed to. Mom managed the home, supported the community, the church and our educational needs, all with graciousness and great organizational skills. Night after night, mom would have at least one or two of us at the kitchen table, while she was preparing dinner, helping us write an essay, studying for a spelling test, solving equations, or writing a hypothesis. Mom could juggle and she was smart. She was always involved in PTA and was room mother year after year. Mom led girl scout troops, helped put on school plays, and never missed a sporting event her children participated in. She was an active member of athletic booster clubs and was always available to prepare and serve food. With 7 children to feed, it seems Mom so often was preparing food to go out the door.

Our mother had so many dear friends in life; the dearest being members of The Holy Family Guild. Until the end of her life, she would look through old photo albums and recall lovely times with dear friends. God, family, and friends kept her life rich and meaningful. Mom is with her best friend, Rosalie now. Mom was an active member of the Sultanas de Bejar and cherished the times spent with those friends. She looked forward to every gathering. She took joy in planning and hosting so many memorable parties. Mom was an exquisite hostess. She gave the most perfect parties, attention to detail was the key. Thank you, Mom, for teaching us that the “little things” really do matter.

Our mother loved people. She did not know a stranger. She could visit with the Queen of England or a homeless person, each with ease and graciousness. She would be genuinely interested in their lives. She would never pass a person without extending a kind greeting, a nod, a little smile. Mom tried to be helpful all her life. She found joy in helping others.

Our mother taught us so many things. One of the greatest was to extend kindness. Such an easy thing to do. Our mother had the knack for noticing if a person was having a bad day, lonely, or tired, and she would extend herself to give comfort in a small way. Mom taught us the love of our natural world. She taught us to observe nature and in it we could find the answers to our questions and concerns. Mom encouraged us to take walks, look at the sky, listen to the birds, and feel the breeze. More than once mom would call to remind us to check out the moon or to ask if we caught the sunrise? Mom taught by showing us how to be strong when life becomes difficult. Trust in God, have faith, pray throughout the day, and be grateful. Our mother was grateful for her life, she knew she had the best life because she had her Joe. She thanked God daily for the blessings He gave her, and a life filled with love of family and friends.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Michael Bonugli; son, Christopher Bonugli (Autumn); daughter, Laura Ponder (Sam); daughter Judy Moake ( Rodney); daughter, Maureen Appling (Dean); son, Joseph Bonugli (Mona) son, Dominic Bonugli (Martha); grandchildren, Lauren Anderson (Michael) and Audrey Bonugli, Emily Whitworth (Joe), Sarah May (Ben) and Simon Ponder, John Moake (Tiffany), Joseph Moake (Kimmi), and Michael Moake (Jamaica), Max Appling (McKenna) and Frank Appling (Cherish), Joe Bonugli (Julia) and Paige Bonugli; great- grandchildren, Keller, Lilah and Maggie May, Jack and Charlotte Whitworth, Owen and Oliver Moake, Roman and Brooks Bonugli, Francis, Marion, Aubrey, and Cassidy Appling, and Cosmo Bonugli.

Our mother will be missed every day, but we rejoice knowing she is in paradise with her Father. All questions will be answered. Her body is strong, beautiful, her eyes sparkle, and her mind is clear. Momma, Nani, Aunt Dorothy, Sweetheart, Dottie, you will always be in our hearts. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for loving and caring for us in the most generous way.

Services:Friday Oct. 4, 2024St. Henry Catholic Church1619 S. Flores Street, San Antonio, TexasEulogy 9:20AMRosary 9:30AMMass 10AM