GRIEF IS OVERWHELMING FOR LOSS OF OUR FRIEND MARIDEE

It seems impossible. Our dear friend Maridee is gone. That thought keeps coming into my mind over and over in disbelief.. Perhaps that must happen to help me get through this tremendous grief. The story is here.

https://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/2026/06/16/for-maridee-bonadea-biking-meant-everything/

I decided I needed a bike ride, and would take one of my usual bike routes from home, and dedicate it to Maridee. It was difficult for me to even think of riding my bike, so a banking errand was the catalyst for that as it got me off the couch onto the saddle. Once done with the errand I thought I might just skip that planned ride and return directly home. As I started that way the thought came to me that Maridee would not like that. She would want all of us to keep riding our bikes and continue to enjoy time on the saddle. So on I continued. It was a clear and gloriously blue sky day. When i got home and told Susan of my decision to keep riding, she said that Maridee was on my shoulder and riding with me. I like that thought.

I finished my ride with Maridee totally occupying my thoughts. Much of that was grief of course, but some was remembering how much she loved cycling and how much she contributed to the group of women in the Rainbow Riders unofficial “club”. About 26 years ago I started the “club” and led rides every month up to about 2020. Once I turned it over to someone else, the group riding together faded into near non-existence. But there were many deep, loving and meaningful friendships that formed and have never faded away. Rainbows ride in smaller numbers, shorter rides and less often now. But, especially with our friend Kristin’s initiative and ongoing love and desire for our group of women to have meaningful time together, we continue to gather several times a year for celebrations or short riding experiences.

As well as giving much to her community — and to the world (see above article), Maridee was a very valuable addition to that group and we each and all are in deep grievance over losing her. She was a very experienced and accomplished cyclist and this was such an unnecessary tragedy due to lack of good infrastructure and value of bicyclists using their bike as alternative transportation.

I am having a hugely difficult and emotional time processing Maridee’s death and the way she died. It will take me a long time to come to terms with that, but with the support of each other, all of us Rainbows will get through it.

We so love you Maridee, you leave a huge hole in our lives, and big cracks in our hearts.