Bonnie Modell (Schulze) Sonnier

Bonnie Schulze Sonnier, 92, lifelong Brenham resident, passed away on February 26, 2020.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2020, from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Funeral services will be Monday, March 2, 2020, at 10:00 am, with Rev. Pat Dietrich of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church officiating. Both will be held at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at Prairie Lea Cemetery.

Bonnie was born on September 28, 1927, to parents Benton Sr. and Alice (Look) Schulze. She grew up in Brenham with her brother Benton Jr. The family attended St. Paul’s Evangelical Church. Bonnie was baptized and confirmed there and remained a lifelong member. Bonnie graduated from Brenham High School. Bonnie came from an established Brenham family, and the sense of community involvement she grew up with would always stay with her.

On March 30, 1946, Bonnie was united in marriage to Stanley Sonnier. They made their home in Brenham. After her marriage, Bonnie began employment with Faske’s Jewelry as a sales associate. In 1948, Bonnie and Stanley welcomed daughter Carol Ann.

Bonnie was an intense person, and it seemed that whatever she became involved in, she did it to the fullest. Bonnie had always enjoyed antiques, and in later years she began to pursue antique dealing. Bonnie was passionate about antiques and was very knowledgeable in her field. She was known as the “go-to lady” for red glassware! Her absolute favorite was Royal Ruby Red, a deep, rich shade of red. She also dealt in various Depression-era glassware items. Her daughter Carol later joined her in the antique field, and they made a great team. They enjoyed many trips to Round Top antique events to search for new pieces and visit with old friends.

For many years, Bonnie was a vendor with the Country Co-Op Antique group with Margaret Carmichael. She enjoyed working with her fellow vendors; she forged life-long friendships with many of them. Several became like family to her. Even in recent years when she began to slow down and step away from the Co-Op, she kept in close contact with all her friends.

Bonnie was active around town and seemed to be friends with everyone. She and Stanley enjoyed nights out going to dinner with friends. Bonnie was very well known and well liked. She was a redhead, and she certainly had all the personality and feistiness that comes with the territory! Bonnie had a sharp wit and was full of hilarious quips and jokes. She was meticulous and observant, and her mind stayed sharp until the very end. You could always count on her to speak her mind. She was very genuine, and was always “Bonnie”.

Bonnie was very fashionable, and she loved to look and feel glamorous. She always had her hair, nails, and makeup looking just right. She also enjoyed finding unique pieces of jewelry.

Bonnie had a wonderful green thumb, and could often be seen working in the yard. People around town would drive by her home just to see the beautiful azaleas surrounding her home. She loved plants and flowers of all types, and for many years was a member of the Bromeliad Society. She had a heart for animals, and seemed to always be adopting another dog or feeding a stray cat.

Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents; husband Stanley in 1991; daughter Carol Ann Sonnier in 2007; brother Benton Schulze Jr.; nephew Benton Schulze III; and many cherished friends and beloved pets.

Surviving loving family includes Gennie Schulze; niece Karen Klingsporn; and great-nephews. Although her family was small, Bonnie enjoyed the love and companionship of many special friends; she was especially close with Mary Ellen West, Margaret Carmichael, and Michael Breddin.

Pallbearers will be Michael Breddin, Gary Sonnenburg, Harry Penkert, Jim Carmichael, Marshall Herrod, Ervin Schulze, and Randy Sonnenburg.

If you’d like to make a donation in memory of Bonnie, please consider St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Tributes may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.