Patricia "Patsie" A. Bonardi

Patricia (Patsie) A. Bonardi passed away peacefully surrounded by beloved family on November 4, 2025. A longtime resident of Bethlehem, NH, and Westport, Connecticut, she left a legacy as a dedicated, inspiring educator and civic activist.

Patsie was born in Littleton, NH on June 3, 1931, the daughter of Louis A. Bonardi and Mildred (Lee) Bonardi. Her only sibling, Bevalie (Bonardi) Bouchard, predeceased her in 2019. Her longtime companion, Paul Babbet, predeceased her in 1997.

She is survived by multiple generations of nieces, nephews and cousins who treasure her loving and generous spirit and are inspired by her legacy.

Patsie graduated from Bethlehem High School in 1949 and from Keene State Teachers College in 1953 with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She was infamous in college for her activism and her involvement in numerous student organizations. She was included in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities in 1953.

She earned her Masters from University of Bridgeport in 1985.

She taught in elementary schools in Nashua and Littleton, NH immediately following graduation. It was in Westport, Connecticut, where she taught second grade for 39 years, that she was recognized for her outstanding and creative teaching skills. In 1989, the Town of Westport recognized her with their annual Most Committed Citizen Award. In 1995 she was nominated by her former students and was featured in “Who’s Who Among American Teachers”.

For over 30 years, she worked as a licensed Real Estate Broker in Bethlehem, NH, first with A. A. Varney Real Estate and later with her own business P. A. Bonardi Real Estate.

After her retirement and return to Bethlehem in 1996, she became very active in local organizations. She was particularly dedicated to the Bethlehem Public Library and served as a Library Trustee. She was instrumental in realizing the dream of a new library building that would be able to meet the needs of the Bethlehem community, particularly its young people.

She also served on the boards of WREN and North Country Home Health Agency.

She was often seen, and heard, at Bethlehem Select Board meetings where she was a vigilant citizen advocate.

A Celebration of Life for Patsie Bonardi will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Mulburn Inn, 2370 Main Street, Bethlehem, NH.

Donations in Patsie Bonardi’s memory may be made to the Bethlehem Public Library, PO Box 250, Bethlehem NH 03574 and The Colonial Theatre, PO Box 204, Bethlehem, NH 03574 or online at http://bethlehemcolonial.org/donate.