Bonnie Lee Froehlich, 68, died peacefully at home on Friday, Aug. 31, 2007, after a long battle with cancer.

Born Feb. 19, 1939 in Los Angeles to Marjorie and Harry Pitts, she spent her early years growing up in North Hollywood.

Bonnie received her bachelor’s degree in education at Aurora College in Aurora, Ill., and a master’s degree in special education from Redlands University.

She began her teaching career in Evanston, Ill., and continued as a special education aide in the Los Angeles School District. Her joy for the last 15 years of her career she was being a special education teacher at the Idyllwild Elementary School.

Bonnie spent many summers while still in school at Camp Maranatha, as both a camper and also a lifeguard at the camp pool. It was here in 1959 that she was noticed (beautiful in her black bathing suit and bright red hair) by her husband-to-be, Keith, who worked as a park aide at the State Park campground next door.

The Froehlichs married in 1961 and returned to Idyllwild in 1980 to buy and operate the Idyllwild Inn, formerly owned by Keith’s parents, Glenn and Nina Mae.

In 1985, she returned to teaching at Idyllwild School, retiring finally in 2000. Bonnie spent the last several years enjoying summer beach vacations with the family, traveling the world, and artfully remodeling and redecorating their home.

An open house celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Froehlich home, 54190 Rockdale Drive. Family and friends will begin gathering at 3 p.m. for visiting and refreshments. A brief memorial will take place at 4 p.m. Please dress casually, come by and share your stories, memories and laughter. Bonnie would love that!

She is survived by her husband, Keith; son Michael and wife Tracy; son Tedd and partner Paul; grandsons Nick and Cole; brother Ed and his family; and countless treasured friends.

In lieu of flowers it is suggested that donations be sent to the Ramona VNA & Hospice, 890 West Stetson, Suite A, Hemet, CA 92543, and the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.