Elizabeth Jane (Somerville) Bonner

Elizabeth Jane Bonner, 87, of Bethlehem died peacefully Wednesday, September 6, 2023 in Bethlehem Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  She was the widow of Francis S. Bonner.  Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Paul Somerville, Sr. and the late Marion Rodgers Somerville.  A graduate of Forty Fort High School, Jane received her Bachelor of Nursing Degree from Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital School of Nursing, Upper Darby.  She continued her education at Glassboro State College, now known as Rowan University, where she received her Masters Degree in Education.  Prior to the birth of her sons, Jane was a nurse at various hospitals in the Philadelphia area.  After her sons were raised, she was a school nurse at Carl T. Mitnick Elementary School, Cape May, NJ for 10 years before retiring in the early 1990’s.  A Catholic and a talented musician, Jane was very active in the choir and piano playing in the churches where she belonged over the years.  She was a volunteer nurse for various organizations in her spare time.  She enjoyed knitting and macramé.  Jane and her husband were cat lovers.  Over the years they gave many a poor stray a permanent home and plenty of food and love.

Survivors: Sons, Sean P. Bonner and his wife Jackie of Perryville, MD and Timothy E. Bonner and his wife Hala T. Rihan-Bonner with whom she resided; sister, Ann wife of William Montgomery of Milford, PA.  She was deceased by her brother, Paul Somerville, Jr.

Services: Memorial Service 10:00AM Saturday, September 16, 2023 at the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden St., Bethlehem.  Family and friends may call from 9 to 10:00AM Saturday, September 16, 2023 at the funeral home.

Contributions: Memorials may be made in Jane’s memory to Ascend Hospice, 1120 Welsh Rd., North Wales, PA 19454.       

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