Bonita Soe Smith
Did you know Bonita? Please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
Bonita Soe Smith
04/04/37 - 12/18/21
Bonita Elizabeth Soe Smith (age 84) passed away in Dallas, Texas. Bonnie lived her 84 years in California. Born in Santa Monica, California on April 4, 1937, to her Danish parents Arnold and Olivia Soe. Raised in Culver City and graduated from Venice High School in 1955. Bonnie would go on to graduate from San Jose State where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. It would be in San Jose where she would fall in love with Wallace Smith. They would marry in 1960 at the Mission in Carmel. As a young graduate Bonnie was a buyer for the Emporium department store in San Francisco. The newlyweds moved to Los Angeles to start their family and Wally's hotel management company. They would settle in Calabasas where they lived together for 50 years. Bonnie was very active in the Los Angeles community. She joined ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Foundation) in the 70's; a long-time volunteer for The Performing Tree (a nonprofit arts-in-education agency); Friends of Robinson Gardens; Assistance League of Los Angeles serving disadvantage youth. Like her philanthropic work, her group of friends would seek new experiences and opportunities to learn. Bonnie's friendships were essential to her life. She prioritized her friend groups and her friends from all stages of her life. Her other love would be traveling. Bonnie and Wally would travel the world over their 63 years of marriage. Hawaii would remain the most meaningful to Bonnie.
Bonnie was a pilar of style and class; creative, detailed, and tireless in all she did with an incredible eye. She was devotion and sacrifice. Bonnie lived her life with faith as a Lutheran and raised her children in Catholicism. She devoted her life to her family, especially Wally, until his passing 8 months before her. Bonita Soe Smith was happiest when her family was together. She would infuse her creativity, love and hospitality with her Danish culture making every gathering special. Bonita is survived by her sister, Karen Cherry; her daughter, Crista Smith de Bruyn, son-in-law, Philip de Bruyn; son, Matthew Smith; daughter, Jonna Smith-Gall, son-in-law, Peter Gall, and her two grandchildren Tony and Taryn de Bruyn. She was loved every day and will be missed every day.
In memory of Bonita Soe Smith, donations may be made to Pfleger Liver Institute to support clinical research. Payable to UC Regents (tax ID: 95-6006143) in memory of Bonita Smith. Mailed to Sammy Saab, MD Pfleger Liver Institute 200 UCLA Medical Plaza, suite 214 LA, CA 90095.