Obituary of Anita Bonelli
BONELLI, Anita (née Robitaille)
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our amazing mother Anita on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Rapelje Lodge. She was 81 years old. Anita was the beloved wife of Ray for 61 years. Loving Mom to Chris (Doug Smith) and Michael (Line Daigle). Cherished Grand’maman to Noah, Nicholas, Jacob and Katrina. She was the middle child of 7 of the late Patrick and Annette Robitaille. She is mourned by her brothers Paul (Georgette) and Guy (Nicole) and her sister Pauline. She is predeceased by her brothers Raymond (Lucille) and Victor (Karen), and her sister Germaine (the late Murray). She was the daughter in law to the late Cesare and Assunta Bonelli and “sisters” to Mary (Ron) and Rosanne (John) and the late Michael. She will always be remembered fondly as Our Aunt Anita by her many adoring nieces and nephews. Anita’s absence will also be sorely felt by her many friends, as well as the multitude of clubs and groups to which she belonged.
Born near Penetanguishene in Lafontaine, On. in 1939, Anita moved away from the family farm when she was 17 years old to attend teachers college in Ottawa. Her first placement was in the Niagara Region, and there she stayed for the duration of her long and illustrious career. Teaching was not a job for her, it was a calling, and she rose to the occasion with her trademark grace, elegance and zeal. Anita taught generations of children for over 35 years, followed by 7 years as a consultant at the Niagara South Board of Education. Literature and theatre were her passions, and she passed on the love of the arts to anyone who was lucky enough to hear her speak of them. She could rarely be found without a book by her side, in her purse or stashed somewhere nearby and handy. She was a skilled writer, a sought-after public speaker and a self described “film nut”. Much of her time was dedicated to her literary circles and to working with Cinefest Niagara, who she represented annually at the Toronto International Film Festival. All this being said, the true love of Anita’s life were her grandchildren. She absolutely adored them and made sure that they knew how she felt about them.
We will forever be grateful to her friends Anita Wilhelmson and Claudette LeBlanc who were always there for her during the most trying of times. We would also like to thank the Staff at Rapelje Lodge in Welland for all their care and compassion. Due to the current circumstances, there will be a private family funeral and a live stream link will be posted on the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME website. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers and donations, please pick up a book and read a chapter or two in memory of Anita. Nothing would honour her more than knowing that she inspired a moment or two of solid, literary joy.
Live Stream Link: https://youtu.be/t4OSksoc1is
