Bonita L. Connoley, age 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at the Sarah Community in Bridgeton. Born September 23, 1931, Ms. Connoley was born the daughter of the late John L. and Loretta (Finder) Connoley. After High School Ms. Connoley joined the School Sisters of Notre Dame, teaching schools in Illinois, Missouri and California, and completing an MA degree in American Literature. After deciding to leave the religious life , she taught in the Parkway School District for two years. She attended the University of Arizona, earning a M. Ed degree and a Doctorate. Bonita then Moved to Maryland, she headed the English Department first at Poolesville High School for four years; then at Walt Whitman High in Bethesda for seventeen years before retiring in 1993. She is survived by a sister: Joleen (James) Samel: two brothers Robert (Kathleen DeGunia) and Charles (Cathy Ries) Connoley: six nephews and four nieces; many great-nieces, nephews and many friends. Bonita was also preceded in death by her good friend Dorothy Roberts.
Services: A memorial gathering will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Arnold, Friday, January 10, from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass 10:30 a.m.. Interment Immaculate Conception Cemetery. in lieu of flowers donations to School Sisters of Notre Dame (Sancta Maria in Ripa Resource Development Dept.) 320 E. Ripa Ave. St. Louis, MO 63125 appreciated.