In Memory
Ria Bodnar (Donald)
Ria Donald-Johnson passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2008, after a two-year battle with breast cancer. She was 64. Ria was born on July 8, 1943, in International Falls, Minn., to Orest and Eileen Bodnar. The family moved to Napa in 1948.
A graduate of Napa High School, class of 1960, Ria graduated from Napa Community College and married George A. Donald in 1962. Ria returned to college and graduated with a degree in accounting from Golden Gate University in 1975. She passed her CPA exam in 1978. In 1979 Ria opened her CPA practice in Napa and enjoyed a successful career until her retirement in 2006. She was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California CPA Society.
In 2003, Ria got a second chance at love when she met Ronald Johnson of Auburn. Ron and Ria were married in 2007.
Ria believed in giving back to the community and was a familiar face at many events. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi since 1964, was a past president of Soroptimist International of Napa, the Women’s Division of the Napa Chamber of Commerce, and the River Park Marina Association. She was also a past treasurer of the California Women in Chambers of Commerce, and an ambassador of the Napa Chamber of Commerce. In 2006 she was honored as “Ambassador of the Year.” She was also a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and Silver Spray Chapter #59, Order of the Eastern Star.
Ria believed in giving back to the community and was a familiar face at many events. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi since 1964, was a past president of Soroptimist International of Napa, the Women’s Division of the Napa Chamber of Commerce, and the River Park Marina Association. She was also a past treasurer of the California Women in Chambers of Commerce, and an ambassador of the Napa Chamber of Commerce. In 2006 she was honored as “Ambassador of the Year.” She was also a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and Silver Spray Chapter #59, Order of the Eastern Star.
Boating was a passion and, as often as possible, Ria could be found on the waters of the Delta and the Napa River enjoying her boat, the Magnificent Obsession. In keeping with her theme of community involvement, Ria was a charter and lifetime member of the Napa Valley Yacht Club, served as the commodore for two years, and treasurer many times. Until the time of her death, Ria continued to act as the budget chair.
In addition to her involvement in the Napa boating community, Ria was also a member of the Pittsburg Yacht Club, the International Order of Blue Gavel, and served as treasurer for the Pacific Inter-Club Yachting Association.
In addition to her involvement in the Napa boating community, Ria was also a member of the Pittsburg Yacht Club, the International Order of Blue Gavel, and served as treasurer for the Pacific Inter-Club Yachting Association.
Ria was pre-deceased by her first husband, George Donald, in 2000, and her father, Orest Bodnar, in 1986. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Johnson of Napa; her mother, Eileen Bodnar of Napa; brother, Bronz Bodnar of South Lead Hill, Ark.; aunt, Shirley Lyons of Napa; daughters Julianne Amaral of Napa and Melissa Flores (Carl) of Antioch; and grandchildren Jennifer and Jeffery Amaral of Napa. She also leaves behind a legacy of dedication to her family and her community. She will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The toll-free donation line is 1-877-465-6636. Donations can also be made over the Internet at www.komen.org. If preferred, a check may be sent to: Susan G. Komen for the Cure, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309, cms.komen.org/komen/Donations/index
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The toll-free donation line is 1-877-465-6636. Donations can also be made over the Internet at www.komen.org. If preferred, a check may be sent to: Susan G. Komen for the Cure, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309, cms.komen.org/komen/Donations/index
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