May 5, 1932 – June 26, 2024

On June 26, 2024 with loving family at her side, Bonnie May McGuire, aged 92, passed peacefully to join her husband in Heaven’s eternity. A lifelong Nevada City resident, she was born May 5, 1932, to Hoval Wayne and Lilly Belle Schmidt Wayne and graduated from Grass Valley High School in 1950.

In 1952, Bonnie’s prayers were answered when a young man on a beautiful, light blue Harley Davidson caught her eye. Three months later, she and Melvin T. McGuire were wed. They were married for 65 years and together raised a family of five children. Bonnie was devoted in her role of mother and homemaker, working hard while also supporting Mel by managing the bookkeeping for their business. She always expressed the deepest appreciation for the many hours he spent working to provide for the family. In their retirement years, they operated a portable sawmill business together. Bonnie was a deep thinker with a curious mind. Years of observing the world around her along with a passion for writing led to the contribution of many editorials to the local newspaper. In her sixties, she was thrilled to combine her love for art, writing, family, and community in the creation of her own personal website. She shared adventures, family experiences, research projects, and the stories of interesting people she knew or met through her many travels with Mel. Updating and maintaining her website was a favorite activity that she continued to perform well into her eighties. Bonnie strongly lived by The Golden Rule, some of her last words were to remind those around her of the importance of treating others as they would want to be treated.

Bonnie is survived by her children, Marguerite (Tim) DeMartini, Cheryl Heward, Susan McGuire, Michael (Jamie) McGuire and Kirk (Deanna) McGuire. A legacy of 13 grandchildren: Victoria (Guy) Greever, Timothy (Areana) DeMartini, Amanda (James) DeMartini Smith, Brent (Melanie) DeMartini, Jennifer (Nick) Caudill, Bradley (Amy) Heward, Katie Heward, Douglas McGuire, Jessie McGuire, Deena McGuire, Drew (Jessica) McGuire, Megan McGuire and Mason McGuire, along with 13 great grandchildren and three more on the way. She is also survived by her sisters, Virginia Boulware, Katherine Hooper, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Mel McGuire, son-in-law Brad Heward, and great granddaughter Kinsley Mae Caudill.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12950 Tranquility Lane, Nevada City, on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. All family and friends are welcome.

Condolences to the family can be sent to 12894 Tranquility Lane, Nevada City, CA 95959.