woman of the year
GILROY
spice of life awards
The Bonino Legacy in Gilroy began over
100 years ago in 1917 with the arrival of
Tony and Helen (Sgheiza) Bonino. Elaine
Bonino, their daughter, was born in Gilroy
and raised in San Martin. She has lived,
worked, and served in this community
her entire life. She attended grammar
school in San Martin, went to Live Oak
High School, Gavilan College, and San
Jose State University, where she earned
Elaine
BONINO
a B.A. in Home Economics. Growing up
in a farm family, she learned the value
of hard work and generosity from her
parents, who, as a part of their nature,
helped neighbors in need. Elaine’s ser-
vice includes thirty-eight years as a
middle and high school teacher in the
Gilroy school system and forty-one years
with the Garlic Festival, starting with
its first year. She’s an active member of
Gilroy Sunrise Rotary, has volunteered
with St. Joseph’s, Gilroy Exchange Club,
the Gilroy Sister Cities Association, and
has chaired and/or served on numerous
committees.
Written & Photographed By Craig Lore
18
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
SPRING 2020
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