Lillian Bosnak

August 26, 1931 - January 4, 2017

Known by a great number of amusing titles over the years - Ms Bosnak, Grandma Lil, Auntie Lil, Ms Lillian, or just plain 'Lil', Lillian Bosnak passed away peacefully in Fortuna, California. Initially from Southern California, she was a graduate of Loyola Marymount College - but took graduate and continuation classes at UCLA, USC, HSU, CR, and a half dozen others over the decades, because "you don't ever really stop learning."

A lifelong educator, she taught in Los Angeles, Torrance, and Compton from 1957 - 1973 before moving to her little house up on Humboldt Hill in Eureka. She was at St Bernard's Elementary School for 15 years before continuing to teach in San Antonio, Texas for another decade. Even in her retirement she was still looking at what else she could give, applying to teach on a Native American reservation in New Mexico. Her classrooms were always incredibly immersive. Tons of books, chess sets, instruments, artwork, and Shakespeare were always present. She did this all for 'her kids' - more than a thousand 5th graders over her career. An avid artist, she was quick to use found objects, new techniques, and different mediums whenever and wherever she could. Her legacy is those whose good fortune it was to be taught and loved by her.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews and extended friends and family worldwide. 

Times Standard, February 12, 2017