Kathleen Ann Bonasera, 85

Kathleen Ann (Saso) Bonasera, 85, passed away March 10, 2026, at Life Care Center in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho.  

Kathy was born Jan. 2, 1941, in San Jose, Calif., to Andrew and Beatrice (Huth) Saso. Until she was 10, they lived close to family on an orchard field. In 1951, her family moved to a home closer to town, where she lived with her six siblings: Michael, David, Richard, JoAnne, Mary Lou and Kevin. Her father had an orchard and garden in their yard and her mother would bake bread once a week. They had a small farm with goats, cows, a horse and chickens, which she would help take care of. There was never a quiet moment with four brothers and two sisters, Kathy being the fourth-born. The family owned movie theaters in and around the San Jose area.

When Kathy was 15, she met the love of her life, Thomas (Skip) Bonasera, who was older and wiser at 16. Skip took her to Santa Cruz on their first date, and they rode on all of the rides, well, until she got sick all over Skip's jacket. She figured she’d never hear from him again. They were married Feb. 11, 1961, at St. Christopher's Church in San Jose, where she wore a beautiful gown made of Italian silk. They were a true love story and taught us what the real meaning of love was.

They welcomed their first daughter, Julie, in 1962. Two years to the day, Tom was born in 1964, and then in 1966, along came the little brother, Dave. They were blessed with four grandchildren, the first being Michelle and then Lilly (Leo), Blake and Camillia.  

Kathy loved her children and grandchildren more than anything and would do anything for them. Taking trips with them and just talking with them brought her such joy.

In 1983, Skip and Kathy moved to Coeur d’Alene to enjoy all of the outdoors and fresh air. They owned and operated Specialty Sales and Service along with Dave, selling wood stoves, snowmobiles and watercraft until 2002. Many friends and memories were made there. Kathy loved boating with Skip and many friends on their boat in Anacortes, Wash., snowmobiling to the cabin in Fernan and boating on Lake Coeur d’Alene with family.

In addition to her parents, Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Skip; her granddaughter, Michelle; her sister, JoAnne; her brothers, Kevin, David and Richard; and other family members who were dearly loved.

Kathy is survived by her daughter, Julie (Lilly and Camillia) of Coeur d’Alene; son Tom and wife Giusi of London; son Dave and wife Vicki (Blake) of Coeur d’Alene; her sister, Mary Lou Shelloe, and brother Michael Saso, along with many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a local animal shelter to honor Kathy’s love of cats and dogs.

A service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at Yates Funeral Home —Coeur d’Alene Chapel (744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814). A burial will follow at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens (7315 N. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815), where she will be laid to rest with Skip and Michelle.

Please visit Kathy’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.