Past Presidents of the LWVSA
Left: Elaine Talarski passed away on February 22, 2023
Right: Evelyn Bonavita passed away on November 2, 2023
All of us at the League of Women Voters of San Antonio are saddened to learn of the recent passing of Evelyn Bonavita, a longtime member of the League. Evelyn served as president of the League of Women Voters of San Antonio. She was also the president of the Texas League. She passed away on November 12 in Austin where she had moved earlier this year.
Evelyn was an active participant in a variety of League of Women Voters activities, most recently serving as the Vice President of Program and Advocacy. She stepped down from this position in May, 2020.
I first met Evelyn in 2016 when I had just moved to San Antonio and joined the LWVSA board. We connected immediately because of our mutual interest in League Program and Advocacy. I relied on her profound knowledge, keen perspective and insights on major public policy issues as I navigated my way learning about Texas politics. I was touched by her demeanor - always pleasant, warm and supportive. She was a person with wide-ranging interests.
As I reflect on the memories and the time shared with her discussing the League and what it stands for, I realize just how much she meant to the League and the League meant to her. We often floated ideas to make the League the most powerful political action group in Texas and discussed how the League is uniquely positioned to preserve democracy in these politically turmoil times.
Evelyn enjoyed studying issues and building consensus among members. She was personally involved in numerous studies on major policy issues and helped develop positions. It is the past presidents like Evelyn who helped build the platform on which we stand so proudly today. They helped create this reservoir of public trust that we continue to enjoy and preserve to this day.
Evelyn's cheerful outlook and positive attitude was contagious. She was organized, took her commitments seriously and was so much fun to work with. I especially enjoyed her sense of humor. She always maintained her poise and grace and it was amazing to watch her have discussions with people of all political affiliations.
Evelyn's legacy will live on through the lives she touched. May her memory continue to inspire and uplift us to continue to address challenges facing our democracy.
DEC 8: Graveside service
11:00 a.m.
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78202