Matushka Bonnie Jean [Ioanna] Robinson, the beloved wife of Priest John K. Robinson of Saint Herman Orthodox Church, Oxnard, CA, fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday, August 19, 2021, as a result of cancer.
Matushka Bonnie Jean [Ioanna] [née Wastler] was born on October 9, 1953, in Hagerstown, MD, to the late Charles Hamlin Wastler and Eva Ida Wastler [née Morgan]. She graduated from South Hagerstown High School, Maryland; Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory, NC, with a Bachelor of Arts in Classics; and, from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, CA with a Masters of Arts in Theology. An accomplished artist and flautist, Matushka pursued her artistic interests while devoting her life to her children and helping her husband serve numerous Lutheran parishes. Following her strong desire for a life of truth and holiness, Matushka Bonnie, Father John, and family were Chrismated at Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary on October 4, 1998. In August 1999, Matushka Bonnie and Father John moved to Oceanside, CA where Father John served at Saint John of Damascus, Poway, CA and later at Saint Herman Orthodox Church, Oxnard, CA. Desirous of maintaining her love of the Greek language, Matushka Bonnie sang in the choir at Saints Constantine and Helen Church in Cardiff-by-Sea, CA, and for a time directed the choir. Matushka worked in education for the Oceanside Unified School District until retirement in May 2021.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years (married 06 January 1980) Priest John K. Robinson, and their six children and 3 grandchildren, Ry Tobiah Robinson, Ave Mikaelah Robinson, Iyyov Yaakov Robinson, wife Kimberley and their children Iyyov Jr, Amayah, Kaya, and Yeriel Tsuri Robinson, Augustine Chaim Robinson, Zane Asher Robinson, and deceased in the womb: Gloria, Michalina, and Rose.
The Panikhida and funeral service will be served at Saints Constantine and Helen Church in Cardiff-by-Sea, CA. Following the funeral service, Matushka Bonnie will be interred at El Camino Cemetery in San Diego, CA.
May Matushka Bonnie’s memory be eternal!