Eli, I hope you know how special your Mom was.  She gave so much to other people and we loved her. When I first moved to Florida 10 years ago I lived in Westchase and heard about her classes in Tai Chi at the library nearby. I decided to give it a try and was hooked.  When my husband had mobility problems and we moved into Aston Gardens five years ago, I couldn’t believe my luck that Bonnie would come here to give lessons.  That’s when I became friends with her.  She always wanted to know about my health and was such a warm person.  I’m a nurse practitioner and one day commended her about giving seniors mini back rubs.  She already knew about seniors who were in facilities and never got “touched”.  She always seemed to know what each person needed. I’m so glad I got to know her. Susan Linehan

My dearest (Thelma Lou Darlin) Bonnie,
    
    Thank you for being a friend. I will never forget you. I know you are dancing in heaven now. The world is a little less bright today. I love you.
In peace,
 Heather Whittington

My condolences to Birdsall family. She was a friend of mine on tictok. She brought a lot of joy and laughter to everyone that watched her videos. She will be missed. 🙏

To the family of Ms. Bonnie T. Birdsall, 
I met her as a guest with my mother to one of her weekly tai chi classes. Though I knew her for only a short time, she was always warm, inviting, and full of life. She will be greatly missed and was a light to those that were blessed enough to be in her presence. Please accept my sincerest condolences at the loss of your dearly departed loved one. My you find peace in knowing that she was a loving inspiration to those that had the privilege of being  with her in the short time we were granted to share that wonderful light and passion for life she showed.

Sincerely,
Erick G. Pryor

I remember when Bonnie was preparing to go to China to study her craft. I followed her in several groups, one of which was her class in Odessa. We had a small group and met in a small room so it was intimate and we became friends. One evening before her trip we all met at the home of a member and talked about Bonnie's upcoming trip. Suddenly she started to cry and said, "I'm scared." So unlike our brave, adventurous Bonnie...but we were friends  and she showed us her vulnerable side. That was a side of her that was rarely expressed since we saw her as adventurous and capable always. Bonnie drove in Tampa Bay traffic all over the area everyday to teach her minions the wonderful moves of Ti Chi. Bonnie was one in a million. Like so many others, I loved her. She was inspirational.

One day I decided to take a free tai chi class at the library and I met such a wonderful person. Miss Bonnie was so caring, beautiful, and hard with me and my sister who joined the class too because we were the youngest.  She always have a beautiful smile. I am so glad I got to take my mom to her class when she came visit from Panama. She will always tell me how proud she was of me for moving to this country so young and becoming a nurse. I will miss her hugs. She was one of the best person I have ever met ❤️

We can't begin to express the depth of sorrow we feel upon learning of your mother's passing. Losing someone as special as her is a loss that words can hardly encapsulate. For 25 years, she graced our lives with her presence, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and souls.

Your mother played an integral role in our lives, we shared so many beautiful memories and experiences while you and our boys grew up. Her warmth, compassion, and unwavering love enriched every moment we shared with her. Whether through her comforting words, her infectious laughter, or her selfless acts of kindness, she touched us in ways that will resonate forever.

During this time of profound grief, please know that you are surrounded by love and support. Lean on us whenever you need to, and may the memories of your dear mother bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead.

Love, 
Sandra & Roger with Robin & Jessica, and Marvin & Linh

Bonnie was loved at Arbor Terrace.   She was always joyful and prepared to lead us in tai chi and qi jong.  With her bowls and chimes she would create a calming atmosphere and her graceful moves were inspiring to us all.  We’re so sorry for your loss.  She will be missed.

Scottie and I studiedTai Chi with Bonnie at Aston Gardens and absolutely loved her. She was an angel on earth and simply radiated warmth, acceptance, and love. We will miss her terribly but will never forget her and what she brought to our lives.

One of my favorite memories with Bonnie is when Toni, Bonnie and I would hang out at White Sands Beach in Original Carrollwood...meeting at sunset and for Jazz night (shown)! 
 We were single moms who were there for each other while our sons, Eli, Brian and Thomas, were in elementary and middle school together.  We lovingly helped each other through some hard times. Bonnie was a delightful free spirit and such an extraordinary friend. God Speed my friend...I'll see you on the other side.

I was so shocked to read about Bonnie's passing.  I worked with Bonnie at HSN years ago.  She was always a fun and happy lady.  We enjoyed working together.  Always a fun time.  I have followed her endeavors on Facebook, and admired her  wonderful interest in yoga and health.  I send deep condolences to her dear son and the family. She will certainly be missed.  She is now in Jesus' care.  God Bless Bonnie.  
All my best, from Linda Mongoven

Bonnie was a shining star everywhere she went…from Mrs Thompson’s kindergarten to piano classes and recitals to her artistic endeavors. Bonnie was always a beautiful soul and I’m glad social media allowed us to “reunite” if only in cyberspace. Beautiful tribute that captures the Bonnie Thomas I knew! RIP, sweet girl! Blessing and positive thoughts to you , Eli, and all of the family.

Bonnie was a dear person to the Concordia community, and we are all very sad to learn of her sudden passing. She had a loyal following to her weekly Tai Chi in a Chair class for as long as I have been living here. She was dedicated, very caring and professional. We all looked forward to her classes, and were puzzled when she suddenly stopped coming to lead them. We will all miss her and pass our condolences on to her family and close friends. May God bless them all as she leads Tai Chi classes to the angels in heaven.....Arlene McGonigle, CVT resident

While energy can not be created or destroyed, it can be missed dearly. 5 years of Friday morning Tai Chi classes, hearing your chimes as you entered our community, filling  our seniors with peace and high vibrations, we salute and honor you. We never know when our work is done and when its our turn to rest. Although heavy on the heart your memories are so light on the soul. Arbor Terrace Citrus Park Independent Senior living Community will keep your teachings in our life practice and lift your wings to your family and the universe. We bow in great-fullness to you Bonnie, with love, respect and admiration.

To my dear Friend Bonnie now an ANGEL,

She inspired so many with her love, grace and passion her Tai Chi. I will always remember her in my thoughts and prayers because she was there for me when I started with her in 2014.

My love for her was real and her love for others was precious. We love Bonnie and rest in peace and say hi to Diego for me.

Love you 
Madelyn Padilla.....:-)

After things opened up after Covid, I tried a Tai Chi class at the Land O' Lakes library, and fell in love with Tai Chi.  I loved Bonnie's kindness and sense of humor.  And I wanted the peace and confidence that she had.  Condolences to  the family and friends' and students' great loss.  I know she had an impact on many, many.  And I hope to see her again in heaven, where I can hear her saying,
"Come on, let's not think of this as exercise, let's think of it as fun."  And it always was, relaxing and fun.  Unforgettable!

This winer and spring, my husband Ted and I took a tai chi class with Bonnie at Sun Yoga in Lutz followed by several private lessons with her. We had dinner with her the Tuesday evening before she passed away. We were so blessed by our new friendship with Bonnie and are so sad to hear of her passing. We send our sincere condolences to her son Eli and his finance and the entire family. We all meet many people in this life, and we forget many. Bonnie is a person one can never forget - such a shining star!

Oh you're so sorry for your loss she was such a wonderful sweet lady we took her Tai chi classes at dedicated senior and it was awesome I didn't even know she was sick I haven't seen her in a while our condolences and love and prayers to you and your family she will be truly missed she was an awesome person

Aw, Bonnie…you were a comet in my life. Blazing, bright, fierce, hilarious, mischievous and brilliant. I broke your heart. You broke mine. We laughed a hell of a lot. And smoked B &H 100’s.  We burned dozens of Duraflames. 

Rest now, sweet girl. You will always be in my heart.

Bonnie and I performed as a musical duo on several occasions back in the early 2000s...the one that comes to mind was at a bistro on New Years ...big crowd that really enjoyed Bonnie's voice and stage presence...will be missed.

Met Bonnie and Eli in 1998 at Carrollwood Recreation Center when our sons were 3 years old. Bonnie was like a Mom to my 3 sons, my adult daughter and my granddaughter.  Bonnie gave them swimming lessons, and continued to be an active part of all of our lives incorporating kindness and love in every aspect of her life. We survived the  raising of our families in this crazy world. Memories at the various parks in Carrollwood for Easter Egg Hunts, gatherings at White Sands Beach, Birthday Parties, the unknown  of Y2K and 9-11-2001. Bonnie helped me cope  through the PPD after my son was born, 9-20-2001 and so much more.

Thank you, Bonnie and Eli, for the Memories!

Lourdes Wicinski

A beautiful soul who touched all who knew her. Her kindness and unwavering joy of life will be missed on earth. Heaven gained an angel and know she is holding class bringing laughter and calm to those watching over all of us!

You will forever be remembered and loved! Your sweet spirit will continue to live among us!! 
We love you
Tanya

Our last day together preparing a fun Easter game with goodies. We were so excited to share this fun little game that was her idea. My sweet Mom ❤️

So blessed to have our last hug caught on my security camera as she was leaving my home after a beautiful day of preparing Easter festivities together ❤️ I love you forever, Mom.

Bonnie was a force of nature. I  had the privilege of knowing her only a few months but she was a beacon of light. I attended her Tai Chi classes in Lutz and she was outgoing, supportive and a fantastic teacher of this practice. She welcomed us each week with a smile and a hug. She took an active interest in forging a friendship with all of us and I will treasure the short time we spent together. I was so saddened to hear the news of her death. I offer my sincere condolences to her son Eli and her family and friends. She will be missed. I hope you find comfort in the knowledge that Bonnie was an exceptional human being and we are all the better for having know her.

Bonnie Birdsall, you are LOVED, our WONDERFUL TEACHER and FAITHFUL FRIEND.

Bonnie was strong & resilient,  vulnerable & open to life. Bonnie loved her Tai Chi students and we loved Bonnie. She encouraged us both us in & out of class & we became a caring circle of friends. Bonnie introduced many holistic modalities to us, Reike, Crystal Bowls, Meditation, and yes the Arts through her comedy & acting, bringing her small classes together for new experiences. With the closing of the Fendig Library & with COVID, Bonnie was resilient & creative in finding places to have classes. I attended some along a river bank, keeping an eye out for alligators; classes held in a culd-de-sac; meditation & healing sessions in living rooms. Thank you Bonnie for your great love & friendship. I carry you in my heart.

I will never forget the first time i met Bonnie. She was already    deep into her  opening     stretches when  I shyly  appeared    at the door .  "Welcome! Come IN!  Don't worry if  you don't know the steps,  just follow me  and do what I do. "  How hard could it be?  To do what  Bonnie did,, her spiritual explanations, her body movements, so graceful and perfect and her    huge  smile at all of  us klutzes  was magical and  very motivating.  We who took he r  class  will miss her greatly......Bonnie ,  I'll never forget you. My warm condolences to the entire family,  what a loss!
Trish Bissell

Bonnie was a caring person and instructor. Her kindness touched every person in the Tai Chi class. What a gift she was to the world. Bonnie will be missed.

I took a class with Bonnie at Fendig Library, S. Tampa.
So sorry to hear this sad news.

I was a student of Bonnie more than 12 years and many times her assistant.
It's a great loss for all who knew her, family, friends, students.
RIP Master Bonnie, I'll try and remember to relax my shoulders.😁
Your humble servant, ML.😭🙏

We were saddened to hear of Bonnie’s passing. We met Bonnie as students in her Tai Chi classes around the city. She always made her classes a warm and fun place to learn about one of her passions. Her enthusiasm was so inspiring. She will be greatly missed by many whose lives she touched. May she rest in peace.
Andrea Beley & Gaston Naranjo

We will miss our tai chi teacher and friend.  We will always remember Bonnie's reminder "to breathe" when doing tai chi.

So very sorry for the passing of Bonnie. 
She was quite the character and I had the pleasure of doing her hair for many years. 
Sending love and prayers to Eli and family. 
Cathy Arce

OBITUARY

Bonnie Thomas Birdsall

11 March, 1960 – 30 March, 2024

Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Carrollwood

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services