Marcia Lorraine Bonafede

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marcia Lorraine (Miceli) Bonafede, a beloved wife, devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, godmother and friend to many. Marcia was born on March 16, 1942, in New London, Connecticut, to Frank and Lorraine (Gladue) Miceli. Marcia lived in Connecticut until her family moved to Pomona, California when Marcia was just 5 years old. Marcia graduated from Ganesha High School in 1960 and in 1964 she received a bachelor of arts degree in home economics and business from California State University.

Marcia met her future husband, Mario Joseph Bonafede, at a high school dance in 1960 where Mario described the experience as love at first sight “from across the room” and at that moment he knew they would one day be married. Mario earned Marcia’s father's blessing and promised to wait to be married until Marcia graduated from college. Mario proposed to Marcia on Christmas Eve at church in their favorite pew. As the story was told, Mario put the engagement ring on Marcia’s finger sometime during Mass and the two smiled back at each other without a word to be said. Marcia and Mario were married in 1964 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pomona, California just one week after Marcia’s college graduation. This led to 60 years as husband and wife, many described them as the Blue Angels flying in close formation all their life. 

 Marcia and Mario lived in Brea, California and were soon blessed with the birth of their two sons (Michael and Anthony). Marcia and Mario moved to Houston, Texas in 1974 and they would often say moving to Texas was the best decision for their family. Their sons were able to go from Preschool all the way through college from this same home in Prestonwood Forest where countless memories were made.

 In 1990, with both boys now away at college, Mario and Marcia had a unique opportunity with his company to move back to California which enabled them to care for their parents in their golden years. While still living in California, their son Anthony and his wife Teresa moved to San Diego. Mario and Marcia soon become grandparents of Vincent and Brandon and built memories with their southern California families at every opportunity. 

Marcia’s love for her family was also shown through her tireless culinary creations which is why she had hundreds of cookbooks and was always trying new delicious recipes which we were all too eager to consume. She constantly encouraged her boys, their wives and all of her grandchildren to cook and also proudly taught Camila (her only granddaughter) how to sew. Marcia’s love for children, teaching and sharing life lessons led her to a long career as a high school teacher in both Texas and California. Marcia touched the lives of thousands of students who would affectionately call her “Mrs B”. She taught English Literature, Home Economics, Child Development and a multitude of cooking and food safety courses over her career.

In 2010, Mario and Marcia moved back to Texas and lived their retirement years near their son Michael and his newly started family in College Station which included Daughter-in-love Carol and their first granddaughter Camila. Marcia was part of the birthing process at the hospital for their youngest grandson Enzo. This special invitation cemented the very close relationship between Marcia and Carol which made for a beautiful and endearing next 14 years living right next door.

Marcia’s passions were her faith, family and food - we call them the 3F’s. Marcia and Mario were true soulmates, spending virtually all of their lives together. When Mario had encountered health issues, Marcia was by his side. When Mario passed just three months prior, Marcia truly missed her soulmate as they had never missed a Christmas together in 64 years. She was in good physical health but that loving bond she shared with Mario was so strong that it put an emotional strain and broken heart on what would normally be a very tough Italian woman. Spouses who pass away in close time frame of each other are not uncommon and for these “Blue Angels” we know they would both prefer to fly in close formation than fly alone. Mario and Marcia are already flying again in formation. Godspeed Blue Angels!

Marcia was preceded in death only three months prior by her soulmate Mario; her parents Frank and Lorraine Miceli; and big sister Adele (Miceli) Bashore of Brea, California. Survivors include son and daughters-in-love; Michael and Carol Bonafede of College Station, Texas, son and daughter-in-love; Anthony and Teresa Bonafede of Fresno, California, grandchildren; Vincent, Brandon, Camila, and Enzo. Also surviving is her brother (Frank Miceli), numerous extended family and countless friends.

Marcia’s Family would like to give special thanks for the love and support of their friends who have become family, especially Amy Landry and JJ Ruffino.

In lieu of flowers - Please consider honoring Marcia’s love for family and establish a scheduled family meal with your own family, build those priceless memories and encourage everyone to participate in meal preparation. A rosary will be led by Deacon Dave Mayes on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 9:30am at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in College Station, Texas. Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Albert Laforet at 10:00am followed by the burial service at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Bryan, Texas. Music at the graveside will be provided by Toni Ruffino. A reception to follow at St Thomas Aquinas, Zurek Hall from 12:30pm to 2:00pm.

To learn more about Mario please visit:https://www.callawayjones.com/obituaries/mario-joseph-bonafede