Bonnie Bell Harrington

In Loving Memory of Bonnie Bell Patton Harrington

7/26/1938 - 8/14/2026

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Family meant everything to Bonnie.

Bonnie Bell Patton Harrington was born on July 26, 1938, in Clearwater, Iowa, to her loving parents, Virgil and Signa Patton. She grew up in Iowa alongside her two siblings. Although Bonnie loved her family dearly, she shared an especially close bond with her sister, Patricia. Patricia’s daughter, Debbie, held a very special place in Bonnie’s heart as her only niece. Bonnie was incredibly fond of Debbie, and their relationship remained a meaningful part of her life.

10/20/62, Bonnie married the love of her life, Charles (chuck) Harrington, a proud veteran. Their love story included a wonderful testament to Bonnie’s independent and devoted spirit. In 1962, while Charles was serving his country, Bonnie made the journey from Iowa to California alone, driving her Chevy Studebaker so she could be there when Charles returned from his deployment.

Together, Bonnie and Charles made their home in El Cajon, California, and on July 24, 1963, they welcomed their beloved son, Cecil Harrington. They spent their lives in the El Cajon/lakeside/santee area, building a home, raising Cecil, and creating a lifetime of memories together.

Family meant everything to Bonnie. One of her proudest and happiest moments came when Cecil married Debra in 2005. Bonnie and Charles (chuck) lovingly welcomed Debra , her children, and grandchildren into their family and embraced them as their own.

On June 7, 2015, Bonnie lost her beloved husband, Charles (chuck). The love and life they shared remained an important part of her heart and her memories throughout the years that followed.

Bonnie will be remembered most for her incredibly kind and giving spirit. She truly enjoyed the simple things in life—having coffee with friends, celebrating holidays surrounded by family, and welcoming friends into her home for a visit. She treasured the people in her life and had a special way of making others feel cared for and loved.

Her generosity extended far beyond her family and friends. Bonnie had a special place in her heart for children and faithfully supported children’s charities throughout the years. Every Christmas, she donated toys to Santee Santas, a tradition she never missed and one that brought her great joy.

Among her favorite memories was a cruise she took with Charles and their dear friends, Colleen and Tom. Their friendship was incredibly special to Bonnie and Charles, built on many years of love, laughter, and trust. They thought so highly of Colleen and Tom that they chose them to be the godparents of their only son, Cecil—a reflection of just how much their friendship meant to them. The cruise was a trip Bonnie spoke of often and remembered with great happiness.

Anyone fortunate enough to know Bonnie could feel the warmth of her gentle and generous spirit. Throughout her life, she took great pride in being a devoted wife, a loving mother and mother-in-law, a loyal friend, and a caring member of her community.

Bonnie leaves behind a beautiful legacy—not measured by possessions or accomplishments, but by the people she loved, the kindness she showed, and the countless ways she gave to others.

She will be deeply missed.