Bonnie Laurette (Spence) Victor, 79, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, April 18th, 2012, in Modesto. She was born Friday, October 7, 1932. Bonnie was truly a child of the great depression, leaving Dust Bowl Missouri in the mid-1930's and traveling with her mom and dad, six siblings, and all their possessions loaded into a pickup truck. The family settled in Manteca, where Bonnie grew up working and playing on the Austin Road family farm.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Lennie Spence, her beloved daughter Karen Anne Smith, and siblings Homer Spence, Emma Jane Sanders, Cliff Spence, and Mary Etta Storck. She is survived by two siblings, Vi Davis and Bill Spence.
Bonnie leaves her dearly loved husband and best friend of 62 years, Raymond Victor of Manteca, her children Christine Hazuka and husband Tom of CT, Sharon Emperador and husband Billy of Arroyo Grande, and Raymond Victor of Sacramento. In addition to her children, Bonnie was blessed with five grandchildren; Maggie Welsh, Amy Smith, Gregory Smith, Melanie Smith and Grace Victor. Her family now extends to five great grandchildren: Olivia Walker, Eli Brooks, Jackson Brooks, Parker Smith and Mallory Brooks. Bonnie also leaves her beloved Yorkies, Max and Molly.
Bonnie was always a hardworking mother and housewife, who helped her family in every way possible. In addition to raising her children, she also worked outside the home for many years at many local businesses, including Raymus Realty, Sharpe's Army Depot, and the Manteca Department Store. After her children were grown, Bonnie turned her passion for antiquing and "thrifting," into her own small business called "Bonnie's Treasures." Bonnie felt that gifts should be given all year long, not only on Christmas, but also at unexpected times of the year. She even created a new family tradition she called Christmas in July. She loved surprising family and friends with the best of her treasures. Bonnie was giving and nurturing, this last quality finding expression in her garden. It was a source of pride, and she worked hard to bring her unique style to the decoration of her yard.
However, the center of Bonnie's life were her dearly loved family, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and especially husband Ray, now fondly known by everyone as Grumpy, with whom she shared all the special moments of their life together. Bonnie will be remembered for being a devoted wife, nurturing mother, and a special grandmother and great grandmother. Bonnie was a unique and beautiful person with an enormous capacity for love. She will be missed terribly by her family and friends.
Arrangements for Mrs. Victor are under the direction of P.L. Fry and Son Funeral Home, 290 North Union Road. A visitation will be on held Monday, April 23, 2012 from 9:00 am-12:00 noon in the chapel followed by a celebration of her life and a lunch at Chez Shari.
For condolences to the family please visit our website at www.plfryandson.com search obituaries.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, April 21, 2012
