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Bonnie von Duyke Obituary

Bonnie von Duyke, age 88, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A noted freelance artist, Bonnie was an exceptionally accomplished watercolorist who exhibited her work to excellent reviews in juried exhibitions for many years. Her award-winning watercolors, portraits, and works in various media are in numerous private and corporate collections, including those of Texaco, ICI Americas, Inc., Beneficial National Bank, Wilmington Trust, PNC Bank, DuPont Chambers Works, Hotel DuPont, Medical Center of Delaware, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Delaware, and the University of Delaware. She also exhibited at the Philadelphia Sketch Club, Delaware Art Museum, the Rehoboth Art League, Berman Museum at Ursinus College, Woodmere Art Museum, Delaware Museum of Natural History, Perkins Center for the Arts, Baltimore Watercolor Society, Academy of the Arts in Easton, MD, and in New York City at the Salmagundi Club and National Arts Club.

Her many professional affiliations included signature membership in the American Artists Professional League, the Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, the National Association of Women Artists, and the Philadelphia Water Color Society (where she was a past member of the Board of Directors), and membership in the National League of American Pen Women. Locally, she was an associate of the prestigious Howard Pyle Studio Group and a member of the Rehoboth Art League.

Born in Cambridge, MD, on September 3, 1923, Bonnie was the daughter of the late Dorsey Burnham and Nellie Lerch Burnham. A graduate of Dover High School, she would go on to study at the National Art School in Washington, D.C., the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Art (currently University of the Arts), and the Rhode Island School of Design. She also studied with such nationally prominent watercolor teachers as Edgar A. Whitney, Charles Reid, Frank Webb, Jeanne Dobie, and Christopher Schink.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harrison, and by siblings, Claude Burnham, Dorsey "Jack" Burnham, and Alice Wible. She is survived by her five children: Michelle Rumble (Wesley) of Lewes, DE; Yvonne (Ranck) Tetreault (Tad Tweed) of Smithsburg, MD; Toni McHenry (Robert) of Downingtown, PA; Tina Stalker (Ray) of Woodstock, IL; and Timothy von Duyke of Newark, DE; 28 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Her family will forever remember her lively spirit, her wit, her wonderful talent, and her enthusiasm for life. Above all, they will remember her wisdom and the legacy of love she leaves behind.

A memorial celebration of Bonnie's life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, March 31, 2012, at Ogletown Baptist Church, 316 Red Mill Road, Newark, DE 19713, where visitation will begin at 1 pm. Interment will be private.

The family extends gratitude to Delaware Hospice and, in particular, to Renee and Sherry for their compassionate care and support. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Bonnie von Duyke may be made to Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Road, Wilmington, DE 19810.

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Published by The News Journal from Mar. 25 to Mar. 27, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Bonnie von Duyke

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Janet Jatko-Webb

June 13, 2024

Her wonderful depiction of the Wilmington Flowers Market.

Anne Pfaelzer de Ortiz

March 29, 2012

Bonnie had the indomitable spirit of a true renaissance woman. Interested in everything and everyone, she was a delightful neighbor and friend. I'm sure she's wearing her halo at a rakish angle and is gathering feathers from angel's wings for her new collection. Deepest sympathy.

Nancy Lamoreaux

March 29, 2012

Bonnie so loved nature and distant places that when I came back from my travels, I was kidnapped from across the street to tell her of my adventures. I will so miss those kidnappings and her tales of her past adventures. Hope all her family were told of the same tales as I. My heartfelt condolences to her very large family. Even her adopted members. I will miss her but not forget her. She was such a character.

Betty Hastings

March 28, 2012

To the Family.
I was very sorry to learn of Bonnie's passing. She was a wonderful person, a great neighbor and a great artist!! I know you will miss her very much!

Earl and Susan (Harrell) Whaley

March 28, 2012

Tim and Family,
We were so sorry to hear about your Mom. What a wonderful lady! We wish we had met her - so beautiful and so talented. You were so blessed to have her as your Mother! You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.

March 28, 2012

Yvonne,
We are sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Kelvin and Roni Holmes, Middletown DE

March 27, 2012

Tim and family, my thoughts are with you and your family. May your mother's legacy of art, beauty and faith continue to give all comfort during this difficult time of loss. Dee Fell

March 26, 2012

Tim-
Sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. My best to you and your family.
Craig Smith

March 26, 2012

Yvonne,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Your mom was a very accomplished lady. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rosanne Brandau

March 25, 2012

Kathy + Tim, sorry to read of your loss. God bless the family left behind. May you all be strong. Hugs, from Rustey + Dale

Sandra Myer

March 25, 2012

Thank you Bonnie for welcoming into your home and the beautiful painting you gave me on my wedding day and for one of my oldest and dearest friends, Yvonne Tetreault

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