Obituaries

Donna F. Bonsell, 90

October 9, 1932 - January 19, 2023

Donna F. “Nan” Bonsell, 90, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at Lakeside at Willow Valley. She was the loving wife of the late Gilbert Wayne Bonsell for 62 years before his death in 2021.

Born in Tyrone, PA, to the late Albert H. and Eunice Blanche (McFarland) Focht, Donna graduated from Bellwood Antis High School, Bellwood, PA, in 1950. She worked as a secretary at Lancaster Christian School from 1965 to 1970, and Lancaster Bible College from 1971 to 1973.

Donna and Wayne were very active and lifelong members of Lancaster Alliance Church. They served as Youth Leaders together, and Donna was involved in the home meals for Benevolence Ministry, and the counting team with the assistant treasurer of the Finance Department.

Nan focused her life on raising her children and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a devoted wife, and loving mother and grandmother to her children, grandsons, and great granddaughter. She was a kind and generous Christian woman, and her faith was apparent to everyone who knew her.

Donna enjoyed reading, getting together with church friends and family, and she was an avid Penn State fan. She enjoyed vacationing in Hudson and Tampa, FL.

Nan is survived by her daughter, Cheryl A. Hefft of Carlisle, PA, son Dr. Joshua W. Bonsell of NYC, three grandsons, Zachary Bullock of Lafayette Hill, PA, and Gavin Bonsell and Ethan Bonsell of NYC, great granddaughter Morgan Bullock of Lafayette Hill, her sister Anne Anderson of Alliance, OH, sister-in-law Norma Swartz of Tyrone, PA, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to husband Gilbert Wayne Bonsell, she was predeceased by grandson Jordan J. Bullock, her sisters, Mary N. “Mame” Focht, Alice Castel, and M. Yvonne McConnell; and her brother Charles “Skip” Focht.

A viewing will take place on Sunday, January 22, 2023, from 1:30 to 2 PM, followed by the celebration of her life at 2 PM with The Rev. Joseph Burchill officiating, at Lancaster Alliance Church. Interment will be 12 PM Tuesday, January 24, 2023, with The Rev. Tim McGarvey officiating at Blair Memorial Park, 3234 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a memorial contribution to Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Road, Lancaster, PA 17601.

The family expresses their sincere appreciation to the staff at Meadow Ridge and Lakeside Communities of Willow Valley.

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Condolences to the Family

November 13, 2023

Cheryl & Joshua,
I got to know your dad and mom when they lived at the Word of Life Florida RV Park. I also visitied them several times at their home at Willow Valley. I am so sorry I not heard your mom passed away but will share with our staff and friends at Word of Life. Could you email me your address? I would like to send a card. Thank you and know we will pray for your family as you grieve.
Mike Bush

January 24, 2023

Dear Cheryl and family, I just saw your mothers obituary this past weekend in the paper.  I had not heard that she had passed.  I just want to send you my condolences and to let you know how special it was to have been part of your mothers journey.  I really enjoyed caring for your mom at Meadow Ridge the many months she was in my care.  During my many interactions with your mom I found her to be so very gratful and pleasent with not only me but everyone she came in contact with.  My hope with working at Meadow Ridge was that I could make Residents time with us a little more pleasent.  Your mother was always very grateful and kind when she needed our help.  I am so very glad that i was a small part of her last years.
Sincerely
Kim

January 21, 2023

Donna was a sweet friend for many years.  We will miss her and miss being at her service.  Please accept our condolences. Allan and Judy Shields

January 21, 2023

Cheryl and family, sorry for your loss. Hope your memories of your mom remain with you always. Celebrate a life well lived.  Bill Brecht

January 21, 2023

Hi Cheryl,  I’m sorry to learn of your loss. I guess we can say that another chapter of life is complete!  I’m sure your family will miss her.  Rest assured that you gave her great & loving care!
May God bless you all! Anna Swailes

January 21, 2023

Our sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom
Gretchen and family

January 21, 2023

We were so blessed to call her “friend”. She was loved by all of us and our memories of both Wayne and Donna are sweet. We are sorry to be so far away and unable to attend her memorial service.  Bob and Sharon

January 20, 2023

Charlie and I were sorry to hear of “Nan’s” passing.  We will remember her fondly and how happy she was at her 90th birthday (good job Cheryl!).
Lenchen & Charlie

Visitation
Sunday, January 22, 2023
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Lancaster Alliance Church
210 Pitney Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
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Services
Sunday, January 22, 2023
2:00 PM
Lancaster Alliance Church
210 Pitney Road
Lancaster, PA 17602
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