Bonnie Helen Kofsky

Bonnie Helen Davis Kofsky passed away on May 18, 2026. She was 85 years old. Known for her smile, warmth, and infectious laugh, Bonnie made friends wherever she went and maintained these connections for decades. Born to Frank and Edith Davis in Oakland, CA on (Friday!) September 13, 1940, Bonnie and her older sister Diane Davis Cowan (deceased) loved spending time with their friends and their pack of cousins, attending Burckhalter Elementary, and their annual summer visit to their uncle’s working farm in Roseburg, OR. In 1952, the family moved to Walnut Creek where Bonnie and Diane were among the first students to attend the newly opened Las Lomas High School. Bonnie thrived there, developing friendships that would last a lifetime, enjoying both her classes and extracurricular activities, and serving as senior class president before graduating in 1958. She attended San Jose State University for several years, married Ian Aitken in 1961, and worked as a secretary at Children’s Hospital in Oakland. After several years in Oregon, Bonnie and Ian settled in Auburn, CA, in 1972, where they raised two children, Barbara Aitken Burkhalter and Todd Aitken (deceased). During her 15 years in Auburn, she worked a variety of jobs, including positions at AAA, the Placer County Sheriff’s office and in real estate. Bonnie being Bonnie, she built lasting friendships through her work, her children’s schools, and her neighborhood. Todd, born with developmental disabilities, entered school at a time when special education was moving from specialized schools into local public ones. Bonnie found herself navigating unfamiliar territory, often needing to figure things out as she went. Not one to be confrontational, she nevertheless learned to stand up to teachers and administrators that underestimated her son. She spent decades advocating for Todd, helping him achieve independence, and build a meaningful adult life. No one fought harder for Todd than Bonnie. As her children became more independent, Bonnie fulfilled a long-held dream of completing her college education. She returned to school at Sacramento State University and proudly earned her bachelor’s degree in history in 1987. During that time, she met her second husband, Frank Kofsky. They married in 1987 and moved to Benicia. Along with helping Frank research and write several books, Bonnie earned a teaching credential in Special Education. With the same persistence that she brought to advocating for Todd’s education, Bonnie championed the needs of her students, helping them receive the support and opportunities they deserved. Following Frank’s death in 1997 and her retirement in 1999, Bonnie embraced travel with characteristic enthusiasm, whether it was exploring European cities with her sister, traveling across Canada by rail with her niece,or embarking on cruises with her partner of her later years, Donald Meads. Throughout her life, Bonnie remained deeply devoted to her children, and immensely proud of her two grandchildren; she loved living close enough to share in their lives from childhood into adulthood. Bonnie’s maternal love extended well beyond her immediate family. Barbara’s nephew Brian, Donald’s six grandchildren, and many friends’ and neighbors’ children came to think of her as a grandma, second mother, or beloved auntie. With a license plate holder that proudly declared “It’s Better in Benicia” Bonnie found her ideal home in the town where she lived for more than 30 years. There, she was surrounded by family: her sister and son relocated to Benicia, her daughter and her family returned to the Bay Area, and her nieces and their families lived nearby. Bonnie became deeply involved in the community she loved. She played on a bocce ball team, volunteered with the Friends of the Library, and was an active member of both the Benicia Friendship Club and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. She also loved the house and neighborhood where she lived from 1988 onward. There she entertained family and friends, gardened in her lovely yard, played with her cats, and celebrated holidays, birthdays and countless milestones. Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Walnut Creek); her beloved grandchildren, Hannah (Walnut Creek) and Allison (Seattle, WA); her nieces and their families; and a wide circle of dear friends whom she loved as fiercely as family. Her ready smile, helping hand, funny jokes, silly songs, and most of all her contagious laugh will be forever missed. We love you, Bonnie!

Bonnie Helen Kofsky

September 13, 1940 - May 18, 2026