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Bonnie Porth Coffeen
I have received many thoughtful comments from classmates about Bonnie Porth Coffeen passing on the 3rd of January, 2020.
Bonnie and I are very private and there will not be any obituary in the paper, but you knew her in her young life so I will share this with you.
You may remember Bonnie from school. She was a good student, she wasn't in any clubs, but worked in the office as the PBX operator (the phone system), she was a Paper Doll and worked after school at Hialeah Hospital in a school early release program, I can't remember the acronym...
We only lived 4 blocks from each other but I never knew here. I went to Hialeah Elem and Miami Spring ... she went to South Hialeah and Filer ... this is because we were separated by 4th Avenue.
I met her late in our senior year and were engaged that Summer. She went on to be a National Airlines Stewardess ... and I went to College. We got married my Senior year ... and we moved to Long Island NY, my first job.
Bonnie is my Hero ... she believed in me and helped me financially get through my last 2 years of college. She followed me through my career moves and never complained. I dragged her to NY where we had 2 children ... then back to Miami, then to Chattanooga, and Pittsburgh, Hartford, CT, Indianapolis (child #3), Nashville and Mobile.
All of this while I was being recruited and promoted from one place to another ... flying from here to there and gone all week ... working in England for weeks ... South Africa for weeks ... speaking or chairing conferences for a week at a time ... she was selling our house ... buying a house ... packing up ... unloading our stuff ... flying to the new city ... with little children ... and she was somehow getting children through the snow to school by herself. We never lived by family. She never had anyone to help her.
I was Obilvious to this ...
I finally realized this ... and told her many time how I admired her and that she was my hero.
To our classmates, thank you for caring.
Bonnie had Parkinson's. I worked to give her the best quality of life that I could ... I was able to take her out to diner ... traveled to see her children ... She wanted to do things ... she kept trying ... but in the end ... it took her in her sleep...
Love you Bonnie
Bill Coffeen
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John Rabreau
So Sad Bill, for your loss. Bonnie was one of my favorite people in High school. She was so good looking, and a very nice person. Out of 1100 graduates it's hard to remember all but the few that stood out to you. She will be always remembered as Special to me. I believe she flew with my Sister at National Airlines. And now she is in a better place, and able to touch the face of god.Your friend
John Rabreau
Jerry Sullivan
Bill we are so sorry for your loss of Bonnie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Caryl Gardner (Broaderick)
Dearest Bill, We are so saddened to hear this news. Bonnie was definitely a beautiful, special classmate. I know that you two had a loving,devoted relationship and the wonderful memories will give you joy in the years to come. As you go through the grieving process, know that you have friends who are praying for you. God bless you greatly, dear Bill. Love, Caryl and Art
Richard "Tr" Anderson
The passing of Bonnie (Porth) Coffeen is a sad day for the members of the Hialeah High School Class of 1964. May we all take the time in our daily schedules for a moment of silence. Bonnie is now at peace and has taken her place in Heaven with the other angels.
Patricia Spivey (Zgodzinski)
Bill, my sincere condolences on the passing of your beautiful Bonnie. I hope your precious memories of your life together will help you and your children through this sadness. God bless Bonnie. May she Rest in eternal Peace.
Bill Coffeen
Just remembered ... Bonnie also worked for "Ma Bell" as a PBX operator for awhile before going on to be a Stewardess at National Airlines's... I know some of our classmates also went with Ma Bell for their careers ...
Janet Phillips (Davis)
Dear Bill, I was saddened to hear of Bonne's passing. I hope the beautiful memories of her will help to ease the pain of your loss.
Nancy Lundblom (Blizzard)
Sadly, I did not know Bonnie but based on what you and others have said, it is clear that she was a very special person. My deepest condolences go out to you and your family.
Brenda Becker (Egles)
Bill, Tom and myself are so sadden for your loss. I didn't know Bonnie but I do remember her beautiful face at school. I was a long distance operator in Ft. Lauderdale in 1970 one of my easy jobs in life.
We will pray for you and your family for healing. She was an angel from your words. You were blessed in life for having her.
Deidra Williams (Kennon)
Bill, so sorry for your loss. Didn't know either one of you, but knew of you. I am ken Andrews cousin so I do remember you both.
you were truly blessed and you both are in my prayers. God bless. 🙏
Deidra Kennon (Williams)