Bonnie’s mom, beloved by the children and staff as their “Granny”, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on July 18, 2015. Bonnie brought her many “I love you” cards from the Ama Ghar children, which she was able to read before she died.
Granny, who arrived in Nepal in the late 1950’s with her husband and four children, gave birth to Bonnie’s sister Trish in Nepal. Even after the family moved back to the U.S. she never lost her love for the country and the Nepali people. She made four trips to Ama Ghar to spend time with the children, including her last trip to Nepal when she was 90… the children had great fun riding her walker during that visit! Right up until the end she always said, “say hello to all of my friends in Nepal”.
In the Nepali Hindu tradition, a lamp will be lit and prayers given for 13 days of mourning. In Colorado, the family will gather and will have a memorial service on August 11 in Dillon, Colorado, near her mountain home. Her ashes will be placed in the Colorado mountains, Yellowstone Park (her birthplace), and Bouddhanath in Kathmandu.
Bonnie said, “My mother’s parenting of six children with love, patience and support is our role model at Ama Ghar. The incredible, loving Ama Ghar staff and I try to meet the high mark that Granny set every day.”
We are asking all friends and family to donate to the Ama Foundation in lieu of flowers.