Meri Ellen Bond

In loving memory of Meri Ellen Bond, who passed away peacefully on November 27, 2019 due to complications from Type 1 diabetes. Meri Ellen was born on May 3, 1943 in South Bend, WA to Theodore “Doc” and Ellen Pedersen. Meri Ellen spent an idyllic childhood in South Bend growing up with her older brother, Douglas “Doug” Pedersen. One favorite family story includes a young Meri Ellen walking six blocks into town on her own and demanding a loaf of bread from Noonan’s bakery. Telling the salesclerk to “charge it,” (which they did, thinking her mother had sent her in) she went on her merry way while her family frantically searched for her. She was spotted by her brother due to the large group of seagulls following her through town. Meri Ellen shared that had only eaten the inside of the bread and had tossed the crusts onto the ground, much to the delight of the birds. Suffice it to say, Meri Ellen’s independent spirit and love of shopping and “charging it” started early!

Meri Ellen attended South Bend High School where she was actively involved. Some highlights included being the A.S.B. Treasurer, a PEP squad member, Homecoming Queen and Valedictorian of her class. After graduating in 1961, Meri Ellen attended the University of Washington and Grays Harbor Community College briefly before graduating from Central Washington University with a degree in education. Meri Ellen married her high school sweetheart, Dennis “Denny” Bond, on August 22, 1964. Meri Ellen and Denny moved to Manchester, WA where they put down roots and began their long and rewarding teaching careers with the South Kitsap School District. Their children, Brooks and Brynn, were born shortly thereafter, and the family adventures ensued! While teaching Home Economics at South Kitsap High School, Meri Ellen obtained her Master’s Degree in School Counseling from the University of Puget Sound. Meri Ellen was an extraordinary high school counselor and worked in this capacity until she retired in 1995. She was much beloved at SKHS where she also served as drill team advisor and cheerleading advisor for much of her career. “Mrs. Bond” or MEB, as she was known to her students, touched countless lives and her legacy will live on in those she helped. Meri Ellen always made everyone feel heard and understood and brightened every room with her warm smile.

In retirement Meri Ellen enjoyed her beautiful flowers, Rie Munoz art and her Glassybaby collection. She also loved reading, sudoku puzzles, knitting, and playing her fair share of online games. She was an avid sports fan and loved all Seattle sports, especially the University of Washington Huskies. In spite of her physical limitations, she remained connected with others through phone calls, visits and her love of Facebook. Whenever anyone called, she’d always answer the phone with a kind “Hello??” and a listening ear. Above all, Meri Ellen loved spending time with her family – she was the glue that held the family together and our family traditions strong. She had the best sense of humor and most of our memories with her involved a lot of laughter! We will continue to honor her memory by keeping these family traditions alive and celebrating holidays together with love and laughter.

Meri Ellen is survived by her husband of 55 wonderful years, Denny Bond; her son, Brooks Bond of Honolulu, HI [Angela] and grandson, Jalen Bond; and daughter, Brynn Bond, of Seattle, WA. Meri Ellen is also survived by her brother, Doug Pedersen [Audrey] and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

Per Meri Ellen’s wishes, there will not be a memorial service. However, we know that there are countless people in the community who would like to pay their respects to her. Please do so with a kind comment or memory on the Tribute Wall or simply paying it forward with an act of kindness. Donations made in her honor to the American Diabetes Association would also be appreciated.
https://www.diabetes.org/donate/donate-memorial
Donation ecards can be sent to: angelabond808@gmail.com

We’ve lost a great light in our lives, but her memory will continue to shine in those she impacted.