Sandra "Beth" Bonebrake

Sandra Beth Bonebrake (“Beth”), wife, mother, grandmother, friend and nurse, age 83, passed away in the company of her family at her home on Lake Mendota in Middleton on Saturday, February 8, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with ovarian cancer. She was born on September 14, 1941, in New London, Connecticut, the daughter of Ned and Bessie (Turner) Garretty. Her father was a career Navy submariner, and as such she would recount her fond memories of her childhood “station” in Honolulu, Hawaii and summers spent in Washington, DC. She graduated from Hobart High School in Hobart, Indiana in 1959 and went on to obtain a nursing degree from Northwestern University in 1962. Shortly after graduation Beth married the love of her life, Dr. Robert Alan Bonebrake (“Bob”) (1938-2008), who was concurrently attending Northwestern Medical School. From 1963-1964 Beth and Bob worked together at the University of Oregon hospital in Portland, and then from 1964-1968 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota where Beth was a surgical nurse in the plastic surgery department. Beth once again returned to the Navy life as Bob was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Hospital from 1968-1970 and then the two settled down and started a family in Madison, Wisconsin where she worked as a nurse at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and then for the American Red Cross.

Beth’s defining characteristics were her never-ending optimism, strong independence, good humor, compassion for children and animals, and unconditional love for her family and friends. Beth designed and built her lake house in 2010 and subsequently hosted many Sunday dinners for her family as well as “Christmas Coffees” for her friends and neighbors. She was affectionately known as “nana Beth” to her grandchildren who especially loved her mickey mouse pancake breakfasts and weekend boat outings. Beth was an active outdoors enthusiast, and enjoyed skiing, biking, kayaking and long walks in the sun with her dogs. Tennis was a lifelong passion, and where she met and developed relationships with many of her closest friends in Madison. Bridge was another favorite – she learned the game in tournaments with Bob in Portland and then continued avidly playing with friends and neighbors throughout her life in Madison. Beth also enjoyed spending considerable time interacting with and making friends with the individuals at Attic Angels where she served as a medical transporter and in the meals on wheels program.

Beth is survived by: Her three children Michael (Marina), Kimberly (Peter) Graper and Kevin (Winifred); her four grandchildren Ella and Emilie Graper, Jack and June Bonebrake; her brother Patrick Garretty; and her two dogs Bailey and Lucy. Beth will be laid to rest alongside husband Bob in the Forest Hill Cemetery. Her children will organize a celebration of life at her lake house in Middleton this Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online to some of Beth’s favorite causes: Attic Angels Association, Children International, or the Henry Vilas Zoo.

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