BONITA ZDRALE

Bonita “Bonnie” Bisogni Zdrale passed away at home on June 22. She was 77. Bonnie was born in Pennsylvania and lived with her family in Clairton, Pennsylvania until she was married.  She was the oldest of six children whose parents were Merio (Edmund) and Elizabeth Bisogni.

Always a good student, especially in mathematics and literature, Bonnie earned a BA at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master's degree in math education at the University of Pittsburgh. During her graduate study, she worked as a math teacher at Whitehall Junior High School.

Bonnie and her husband, Jeff were classmates at Clairton High School. In eleventh grade, Jeff, pointing to Bonnie sitting by the window, told another student that he would marry her one day. Seven years later, they were married in Heinz Chapel at Pitt on July 26, 1969. Bonnie continued to teach until she moved to Michigan 1973 where Jeff began doctoral study at Michigan State University. At that time, their first daughter, Amanda, was three.

The family then moved to Neenah, Wisconsin where Jeff began work as an administrator with the Neenah Public Schools. Their second child, Zachary, was born soon after their arrival in Neenah and six years later, Abigail, the third child, was born.

During her years in Neenah, Bonnie tutored many high school students in Algebra, Geometry and Calculus. She also served on the Board of the Reach Counseling Agency and volunteered for Meals on Wheels for many years. Her artistic skills led her to produce original batik designs for scarves, aprons and wall hangings. These popular items were sold at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and the Seivers School of Fibers on Washington Island where Bonita was a regular student for almost 40 years. Bonnie cherished her Italian heritage; she and Jeff spent many month-long stays all over Italy.

Bonnie and Jeff were the founders of St Matthew Orthodox Church in Green Bay. The first service was in July of 1981. The church has grown exponentially since then.

Anyone who knew Bonnie was struck by her authenticity; she had no need to make an impression on anyone. She was quiet and thoughtful and loved by her special friends, the “yoga ladies” for many years; Linda, her dear friend from high school; and Mary Jo her batik mentor. 

Bonnie is survived by her mother, Elizabeth; husband, Jeff; daughters Amanda Zdrale (Eric); Dr. Abigail Rajala (husband Matthew and children, Henrik and Miriel); and son, Zachary (McKenzie and children, Aveen and Clover). Her brothers and sisters, Rosanne, Marilyn, Alan, Barry and Larry, their spouses and children all reside in Pennsylvania just south of Pittsburgh.

A visitation will be held at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home on Thursday, July 27, 2024, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.  On Friday, July 28, 2024, a visitation and Funeral Service will be offered by Fr. John Thetford at St. Matthew Orthodox Church, 607 Ravenswood Drive, Green Bay, starting at 9:30 am, with Liturgy at 10:30am. A luncheon will be offered in the church hall and then Bonnie will be buried at the Oakhill Cemetery in Neenah. Any memorial donations can be given to St. Matthew Orthodox Church.