Bonnie Jean McLeod
May 19, 1938-June 6, 2026
Bonnie Jean McLeod of Glennallen, Alaska, passed away on June 6, 2026, at the age of 88. She will be sorely missed by many, but especially by her beloved husband of 67 years, Bill McLeod.
Bonnie was born in Los Angeles on May 19, 1938, to Thomas and Betty Codrick. It was in Los Angeles that Bonnie met Bill, beginning a partnership and a lifetime of adventures together. They married in Las Vegas on October 31, 1959, and in 1961, they made their way north to Alaska, where they would build their life together.
After several years in Anchorage, where Bonnie worked at the Anchorage Daily News, Bonnie and Bill moved to Glennallen in 1967. There, they built their home, raised their family, and became an important part of the Copper Basin community.
Bonnie was a woman of many talents and interests, but she always loved being an artist. She followed in the footsteps of her father, an illustrator for Walt Disney Productions, and carried that creative spirit throughout her life. She also spent many years as head accountant at Copper River Native Association, a position she took great pride in and approached with dedication and care.
Some of Bonnie’s most cherished adventures were those she shared with her children. She loved exploring the Copper Basin with them, especially swimming in the ponds and lakes throughout the region. Family, adventure, and the beauty of the place she called home were important parts of Bonnie’s life.
Bonnie also had a lifelong love of reading. Her passion for books led her to become deeply involved with the Copper Valley Library, where she served as a volunteer and board member for more than 35 years! She worked tirelessly on behalf of the community. She helped ensure the library remained funded, worked to secure funding to keep its foundation and structure safe and stable, and advocated for the technology needed to continue serving the public. Her commitment helped strengthen an institution that has long been an important part of life in the Copper Basin.
Bonnie will be remembered for her sunny and positive outlook on life. Her warmth, optimism, creativity, dedication, and love for her community touched the lives of many. She gave her time and talents generously, and the impact of that generosity will continue to be felt.
Our Copper Basin community is a better place because Bonnie was part of it.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her daughter, Judy; her son, Jimmy; her brother, Dale; and her niece, Karen.
She is survived by her loving husband, Bill.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Copper Valley Library in Bonnie’s memory.
