Vera Marie (Bondi) Fonner, passed peacefully on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at the age of 97 at the Keystone Villa in Ephrata, PA.
Born in 1926 to Louis and Susan Bondi in Illinois, Vera excelled in her studies and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Beloit College with a BS in Chemistry. She became personal laboratory assistance to Michael Ellis DeBakey, M.D., recognized worldwide for his considerable contributions in the field of medicine. Later in life she obtained a Master’s degree and taught chemistry for several years in both NJ and PA. She excelled in cooking, sewing, art and created beautiful gardens at her home in Denver, PA, much to her delight of her family and friends who enjoyed gatherings there with her many times over the years.
She loved her family and was the devoted wife of Willard G. Fonner, who preceded her in death in 1977. She was the cherished mother of three: Gregory R. Fonner Lt. Col. USAF, who preceded her in death; Scott L. Fonner of the Poconos; and Lynn S. (Fonner) Keller of Ephrata, PA who loved her dearly. Her beloved grandchildren are Paul S. Fonner of Radford, VA; Kevin M. Fonner of Beaver Falls, PA; Bonnie (Keller) Broberg of Nashville, TN; Laura Marie Keller, D.O. of Edmonds, WA; and Pastor Jeff M. Keller of Strasburg, PA; plus 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. She will be greatly missed by her devoted sisters, Eileen Dannov of LaJolla, CA, and Elaine Hartlieb of Pine Grove, PA, and by her nieces and nephews.
Her family is grateful to God for her life, and to Hospice and Community Care and the caregivers of Keystone Villa, plus her private caregivers, who assisted in making her final days as comfortable as possible. Vera had a heart for children struggling with illness as well as for disabled veterans. Contributions in her memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers (T2T.org) or Penn State Children’s Hospital Enrichment Fund.
Cremation Services of Lancaster – 717-cremate