Eleanor C. Bonanno

FRAMINGHAM Eleanor C. (Curtis) Bonanno, 84, of Framingham, died Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008, at Bethany Healthcare Center, Framingham, where she had been cared for with dignity and love by the staff during her lengthy illness. Mrs. Bonanno was the wife of Dr. Salvatore V. Bonanno of Framingham, to whom she had been married for the past 61 years, and whose devotion to her during her illness was an example to all who knew them. A Framingham resident since 1951, she played an active role in her community through her volunteer work. As a member of the Framingham Catholic Womens Club, and the Framingham Union Hospital Auxiliary, she organized and supported numerous fundraisers, served on scholarship boards, and donated her time and talents. She acted as an advocate for inmates at the Womens Reformitory in Framingham, and had been a member of St. Stephen and St. Bridget Parishes, and was a former member of the DAR, Framingham Chapter. Born in Chelsea, she was the daughter of the late William H. Curtis Sr. and Alice C. (Hederson) Curtis. She was a graduate of the Immaculate Conception School in Revere in 1941 and Boston City Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1945. Nursing was an integral part of her life and she volunteered for many years at Framingham Union Hospital in the operating and recovery rooms. From 1980 to 1995, she used her skills as a patient advocate at Bethany Healthcare Center, where she enjoyed interacting with the residents and contributing to their community as a eucharistic minister. She was a voracious reader, a talented pianist, and her compassionate and loving nature was her gift to everyone she touched. Besides her husband, she is survived by her daughters, Regina E. Slattery and her husband, Alan, of Marlborough, Donna F. Simpson and her husband, James, of Tucson, Ariz. and Webster, and Christina M. Bonanno of Ashland; her grandchildren, Scott A. Johnston and his wife, Colleen, of Lunenburg, Evon M. Johnston and his wife, Lynne, of Marlborough, Paul R. Norton of Framingham, Christina K. Simpson and Jesse P. Simpson, both of Tucson, Ariz.; nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was also the sister of the late William H. Curtis Jr. and Alice C. Harvey. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 10 a.m., in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, Bethany Healthcare Center, 97 Bethany Rd., Framingham. Burial will follow in Edgell Grove Cemetery, Framingham. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Aug. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m., in the Slattery Funeral Home, Inc., 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough. Donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, Mission Advancement, 637 Cambridge St., Brighton, MA 02135.