Bonita “Bonnie” Warner Coolidge passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026 at the age of 97. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ed Coolidge. She is survived by her devoted son Edwin Channing Coolidge Jr. and his wife Jennifer McInnes Coolidge of DeLand and numerous nieces and nephews and their children in Minneapolis. Bonnie was a Chemistry teacher at DeLand Junior and Senior High Schools from 1961 until her retirement in 1997. She was born in Minneapolis, held degrees from the University of Minnesota (B.S. in Chemistry) and Stetson University (M.Ed. and Ed.Specialist), and was a lifetime member of the Florida Science Teachers Association. Bonnie initiated the Advanced Placement Program in Chemistry at Deland High School and subsequently developed and introduced the International Baccalaureate Program in Chemistry to the high school there. In 1988 she was awarded the annual Outstanding High School Teacher of Chemistry in Florida Award by the American Chemical Society, Florda Section. She was a member of the West Volusia Retired Teachers Association, the National Museum of Women in the Arts (Florida Branch) and the Guild of the Museum of Florida Art.

She was passionate about teaching and the importance of education. Though her students sometimes tried her patience, they were always a source of immense pride and joy.

She enthusiastically gardened, raised dogs, Siamese cats and Nubian goats (becoming a certified judge at goat shows), studied antiques, and enjoyed hosting elaborate dinner parties at the Coolidge home ‘El Stucco’ for Stetson functions and other groups. She was a member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.

In remembering her, please think of and support the other educators in your lives.

Remembrances may be sent to The Stetson Fund, Stetson University, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., Unit 8257, DeLand, FL 32720. Also, please think about the family of Nicole Grayson, one of Bonnie’s devoted caregivers who recently gave her life saving her young son. Thank you.