Kathleen A. Sheeder Bonanno

Kathleen Anne (June 15, 2017) 61, of Oreland, PA.  Beloved wife of David J. Bonanno. Loving mother of Luis Sheeder Bonanno and the late Leidy Sheeder Bonanno. Grandmother of Bella, Alaina, the late Sophie, and Emma. Sister of Gary Sheeder, Suzanne Sheeder and the late David Sheeder.

 

Kathy received her Bachelor’s in English and Master’s in Education from Temple University and taught English for a combined 18 years at Dobbins Vo-Tech and Cheltenham High School. She was an award-winning poet, author, and activist and contributing editor to the American Poetry Review. Her awards included the Purple Ribbon Award from the Lutheran Settlement Home for her advocacy on behalf of domestic violence issues, the Beatrice Hawley Award for her best-selling book of poems, Slamming Open the Door; and a Knight Foundation grant which made it possible for her to open Musehouse—A Center of the Literary Arts in Chestnut Hill.

 

Kathy was a woman of extreme generosity, heart and incomparable wit. Lover of puns, dogs, and the arts; unparalleled raconteur; gifted teacher; poet of grace and candor; tower of strength; and world-class free-spirit.

 

Relatives and friends are invited to Kathy’s Memorial Service and reception immediately after on Saturday, July 22 at 1:00 PM at the Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6511 Lincoln Dr. Philadelphia, PA 19119. In lieu of flowers Contributions may be made to The Leidy Sheeder Bonanno Scholarship Fund c/o Rachel Scheffler Director of Development Reading Health Systems Development Foundation P.O. Box 16052 Reading, PA 19612 or the Unitarian Society of Germantown.