Culture

Obituary: Bonnie Yvonne Modugno

image1Bonnie Yvonne Modugno, 60, passed away peacefully at home on May 19, 2017 from Ovarian Cancer. She is survived by her husband, Frank Nemiroff, and her son, Noah Nemiroff. In addition Bonnie is also survived by her mother, Betty Modugno and her sisters, Colleen Pinoski, Theresa Modugno, Sharon Bothwell, Michelle Modugno, and Jennifer Ketelaar.

Born in San Fernando, Bonnie found her tribe in Venice Beach. The free-thinking and spirited community of Venice was the perfect fit to for Bonnie’s fiercely independent and forward-thinking mind.

Bonnie received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Foods and Nutrition from Eastern Washington University and a Master of Science Degree in Education and Psychology from Pepperdine University. After finishing her Master’s Degree, Bonnie worked as a Dietitian with the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.

She went on to teach nutrition courses for many years at Santa Monica College and UCLA Extension while simultaneously operating a successful private practice in nutrition consulting, helping clients improve their health.

Bonnie was at the leading edge of a number of nutrition-related issues and brought public awareness to them through her public speaking, writing articles in professional journals, and her blog.

She practiced and taught a healthy lifestyle of good nutrition, physical fitness, and emotional & spiritual health.

Bonnie excelled at building close relationships with people including her neighbors in Venice, her many friends, her clients, the vendors at the local farmers’ markets, professional colleagues, and countless others. She will be missed by all who treasured her presence in their lives.

In addition to her passion for healthy and organic food, she supported several organizations devoted to ecological and sustainable food production, nature conservancy, social and economic justice, women’s issues, the homeless, and more.

Bonnie was particularly connected with the Spectrum Program at New Roads School, in which her son, Noah thrived during his middle school and high school years. The Spectrum Program is a unique educational program which is geared toward students on the Autistic Spectrum, providing additional support as needed in order to help these students excel in a college preparatory academic program.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the Bonnie’s name to New Roads School at 3131 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404 or online at http://www.newroads.org

No formal memorial service will be held.