Lucila M. Bonilla 1949-2023

She was born Nov. 3, 1949, in Juncos, Puerto Rico, the daughter of Pedro Bonilla Sr. and Felicita Mojica, and came to Youngstown in 1956.

Lucila graduated from East High School, Class of 1969. She then attended Youngstown State University and obtained her bachelor’s degree in education in 1975. She became a bilingual teacher in the Youngstown City School District and then changed to become a first-grade teacher for many years. She later went back to YSU to obtain her master’s degree in education. She finally became a second-grade teacher, until her retirement after 33 years of teaching.

She was a longtime member of First Spanish Baptist Church in Youngstown, and then attended Victory Christian Center until her illness.

Lucila loved teaching. She always had stories to tell about her students, “my little ones.” She loved doing yardwork and took pride in making sure her house looked nice. She also was a professional deal finder while she was shopping. Most of all, she loved being a mother.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Edwin Bonilla.

Her memory will be cherished by her sons, Edwin and Matthew Cardona; their father, Edwin Cardona; sister, Nilsa (Gary) Hadley; brothers, Luis (Tracey), Pedro “Peter,” Hector (Maggie) Bonilla; six grandchildren, Aveah, Matthew, Edwin, Samara, Antonio and Leandro; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the funeral home, with burial thereafter in Lake Park Cemetery.

Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family and support via phone call, text, email or may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.

(special notice)