Barbara Joan Bonnell

Barbara Joan Bonnell
1934 – 2013

Born July 9, 1934 and passed in peace surrounded by family, Sunday 17th November 2013. Barbara, often called Barb by close friends, was the scion of an old Seattle Family; reunited now with her parents Frank B. and Dorothy Sylvester Bonnell. She was preceded in death by her brother Frank B. Bonnell, Jr., 28thApril 2009.

Barbara’s earliest and fondest memories are of her childhood while living on Capitol Hill. At that time, Seattle was considered a small town, and had the small-town ambiance and feeling.

Faith based education was Barbara’s destined path. She attended Holy Names Academy for grade school, Forest Ridge Convent for high school, and The University of Arizona; where she joined the Delta Gamma Sorority. Barbara loved the social life and all its trimmings. It was during this period of her life, that she met many of her life-long friends, and established associations that would remain until her death.

At the conclusion of her studies in Arizona, she returned to Seattle and her Family, where in due course would meet her first husband, Dr. Frederick Joseph Holt, DDS.  They were thereafter married, eventually to settle in Bellevue, where they built the family home. It is there they raised their three sons, Stephen Frederick Holt, Dr. Philip Scott Holt, and Kenneth Peter Holt.

Barbara’s interests, enthusiasm, and sense of giving to others was first and foremost selfless, while considering her needs secondary to all those of everyone else, the example set of how she lived her life became a gift to all.  She was involved with Forest Ridge Convent, Delta Gamma Alumni Activities, HARC (A Guild For Disabled Children) and as a passionate supporter for Children’s Hospital of Seattle. She also was a member of Central Park Tennis Club and Bellevue Athletic Club. In all of these activities, she made numerous friends.    

In 1995, she married Charles H. Simonson, with whom she travelled to Europe and Africa, and took annual visits to Kihei, Maui. From all of these trips, friends were made, and many visited them at their home in Bellevue years after meeting on these trips.

Barbara was by no means a person of large physical stature and build; however, one always knew when she was present, and furthermore, one always knew exactly where she stood. Her heart, and generosity more than made up for her small size, and these were the core traits of her wonderful character. She will be missed, we all know, though her legacy, her life; that which she taught us all – and shared with us all.

Barbara is survived by her Husband Charles Simonson, her sons Stephen F. Holt of San Francisco, CA., Dr. Philip S. Holt of Seattle, WA., and Kenneth P. Holt, of Seaside, CA., her sister-in-law Polly Bonnell, nephews Frank and Peter Bonnell, niece Camille Bonnell, and numerous cousins from the Sylvester side of the family. She is also survived by her husband’s children, spouses, grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Rest In Peace Dear Wife and Dear Mother.

We Wish To Thank: Dr. Peter Kures, MD., Dr. Kindala, MD., Lake Washington Vascular Clinic, and The Northwest Kidney Center.
Funeral Services To Be Held: Tuesday, 26th November 2013, 1pm. Sacred Heart Church, 9460 NE 14th Street, Clyde-Hill Wa., 98004.
Memorials may be made to Children’s Hospital, The Northwest Kidney Center, or a favorite charity.