Obituary: Bonck, Sofia E. “Bette”
Age 93
BONCK, Sofia E. “Bette”
Bette, a long time resident of Spokane and more recently of Vancouver, WA, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 31, 2012, just short of her 93rd birthday.
Bette was born on June 18, 1919 in Spokane to James and Emily Wood.
She attended Rogers High School and was a member of the first four year graduating class of 1937.
She attended Spokane Junior College and worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad during the late 30’s and early 40’s.
She worked as a secretary for Catholic Schools in Spokane from 1970-1985.
She volunteered at Sacred Heart Hospital from 1987-2007 and enjoyed being a member of the Joyettes, a local singing group for years.
She was actively involved in St. Francis Xavier Parish activities including choir and guild for over 50 years.
Mom had a lifelong love of music and the arts, playing piano, giving piano lessens, singing in groups, attending concerts and encouraging her children to pursue musical interests.
She met her late husband, Harry, at a USO dance in Spokane in February 1943 and they were married on December 20, 1943.
She is survived by her three children, Kathy (Angel Diez), Marcia (Jim Chacon) and Mike (Maureen), her 10 grandchildren, James, Jennie, Kristina, Kristin (Josh Sauter), Matt, Emily, Patrick, Anna (Dennis Wetzler), Aaron, and Lauren, and her brother, Jim, and niece, Jeryl (Tim Reinbolt).
She will be remembered as a woman of faith, loving mother and grandmother (Nana), friend, and a dedicated volunteer to School, Church, and Community.
To each of you who have supported Bette and her family, God Bless You, for you will never really know the gratitude that is felt in our hearts for each of your prayers and kindnesses that were so generously given.
Rosary will be recited at 5PM, June 8, 2012 at Hennessey Smith Funeral Home, and celebration of her Funeral Mass will be at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 545 E. Providence, Spokane, WA, Saturday, 10AM, June 9, 2012.
Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, The Arthritis Foundation, or The American Lung Association.
Arrangements by Hennessey Smith Funeral Home,
www.
Hennesseyfuneralhomes.com