It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Brenda Sue Bonefas Hawkins, 53, of Safford, on June 18, 2019. Brenda was born May 16, 1966, in Flagstaff. At 16 months, she moved with her parents to Safford, where she lived until she left to attend the University of Arizona.
Brenda taught high school, middle school, and, most recently, taught fourth grade at Dorothy Stinson Elementary. Over her 26-year career with the Safford School District, she impacted thousands of students — many of whom she kept in close contact with years after they left her classroom. Brenda was a diehard Bulldog, a Wildcat at heart, and a strong advocate for all her students and family.
Brenda is survived by her husband of 24 years, Joe Hawkins, and their four beautiful daughters, Morgan (Shawn), Misty (Michael), Macyn (Justin), and MaKenna; and five granddaughters, Hannah, Khloe, Mattie, Anisa, and Makayla, as well as her parents, John and Sue Bonefas, and her sister, Julie (Freddy) Rodriguez.
A viewing will be held Tuesday, June 25, from 6 until 8 p.m. at McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel. There will also be another viewing Wednesday morning, June 26, from 8 until 9:45 a.m. in the Relief Society room at the Safford Stake Center. Funeral services will follow at 10 a.m.
A scholarship with the SHS Scholarship Foundation will be established in her memory and honor. Donations can be sent to 734 11th Street, Safford, AZ 85546 or by clicking here.
Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.
