Jane Bonanti

Jane Walker Bonanti, of St. Cloud, FL and formerly of Fairview, passed away on January 6, 2018, after recently celebrating her 94^th birthday.  She was born in Pittsburgh on December 27, 1923, the daughter of the late Robert S. and Dorothy Friesell Walker. In 1935, Jane moved with her family to Conneaut Lake.  She was a graduate of Conneaut Lake High School and Erie Business College.

Known for her strong work ethic, Jane began her career as a bookkeeper at Swift & Company and Pepsi Cola.  After her marriage to Joseph Bonanti, they moved to Fairview where she and Joe owned and operated Jane’s Nursery for over 50 years.  A longtime member and president of the Fairview Garden Club, Jane was known for her knowledge and love of flowers and trees.  She also worked at the Fairview Post Office until her retirement in 1983.

She and her husband wintered six months of the year in their second home in St. Cloud, FL, which later became her primary residence.

Active in the community, Jane was a longtime member of the Fairview United Methodist Church.  She had been a member and past president of the following organizations: Fairview Music Boosters, Fairview Garden Club, and the Pine Grove Park Community in St. Cloud, FL, for many years.  She also served on the Erie County PTA Board and was a charter member of Zonta II.

Love of travel was in her blood and she boasted having visited all 50 states.  The 1960 family vacation to Alaska that she and Joe saved for, planned and made with all four children and nephew Rick was the perfect combination of her love of family and her desire to travel.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Joseph W. Bonanti, in 2003; two sisters, Mary Rhoades and LouAnn Allen; and two brothers, Robert and E.F. Walker.

She is survived by her two sons, John Bonanti and his wife Terri of Fairview, and William Bonanti and his wife Barbara of Edinboro; two daughters, Peggy Champagne of Raleigh, NC, and Candy Nash and her husband Ron of Virginia Beach, VA; one sister, Dottie Seelar and her husband Rob of Palm Coast, FL; one brother, Richard Walker of Rotunda, FL.  In addition, she is survived by six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

Friends may call on Thursday January 18^th at the Fairview United Methodist Church, 4601 Avonia Rd. from 11a.m. until the time of the service at 1p.m. With Rev. Jack Tickle officiating.  Burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery. 

Arrangements are entrusted to the Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main St. East, Girard.

Memorials may be made to the Fairview United Methodist Church, Fairview Garden Club, 708 Huntington Dr. Erie, PA 16505 or Fairview Fire Department, 7190 West Ridge Rd., Fairview, PA 16415. Condolences can be sent to www.Burtonfuneralhomes.com