Bonna Millward Purdy, 72, of Manteca, CA, passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2013.  Bonna, named at birth Bonna Bernice Millward, the daughter of Meredith and Rose Millward, was born November 17, 1941 in Sacramento where she resided through her youth and teenage years.
   Bonna graduated from Kit Carson Junior High in 1956, Sacramento Senior High in 1959, received a Bachelor’s degree in Vocational Education from Stanislaus State in 1984 and a Masters in School Counseling from the University of La Verne in 1987.  She was both a credentialed teacher and school administrator.  She taught business at Manteca High and later served as a counselor and Dean of Students at both Manteca High and East Union High in Manteca.  Both during her working years, and after her retirement, Bonna was active in the community.  She was involved with the establishment of the Boys and Girls Club in Manteca and served at different times with both the Soroptimist and Inner Wheel women’s service clubs.  Bonna was known for her supportive character, upbeat nature and genuine positive humor.  Seemingly her every word and action was dedicated to ensuring that others were happy and successful.  She was also unfailingly dependable. These traits served her well in her career and in community service and made her an absolute joy to her family and friends.  Bonna loved the outdoors.  She took yearly trips to both the coast and the mountains.  Her favorite place in the world was a rustic, family heritage, cabin in the Sierras.  Bonna, divorced, had two children; Lance Purdy and Kirk Purdy (deceased).  Beyond her son,  Bonna is survived by her two sisters Susan Ferguson and Meredith Rose, three grandchildren and by her life partner of more than 30 years Carl Conaway.  Bonna was a dearly loved member of a close knit extended family on her mother’s side, the Mellor family.  She will be sorely missed by too many friends and relations to list. 
   In lieu of flowers or other tributes the family feels that Bonna would appreciate donations to the Manteca Boys and Girls Club; www.bgmanteca.org.
   A memorial, open to all, will be held at 11 am to 3 pm, Sunday, January 12, at Chez Shari in the Manteca Golf Course Clubhouse.  Lunch will be provided.