Obituary of Frances M. Bonarti

Frances Maria Bonarti (Fran), born Frances Maria Gruber, passed away on November 20, 2025, in Perugia, Italy, at the age of 80, following an accidental fall in Assisi while on a Jubilee pilgrimage. Her passing leaves a deep sense of loss among her family, friends, former students, and the many communities she touched with her kindness and unwavering faith. It is perhaps fitting that Fran's final days were spent in the holy city of Assisi, Italy. While on a Jubilee pilgrimage of faith, she experienced an accidental and fatal fall. Her family finds comfort knowing she was in a place of profound beauty and prayer, fully immersed in the spirit of the Jubilee year. Born on January 16, 1945, to Margaret and Frank Gruber, Fran grew up with a deep love of learning, service, and family—values that guided her throughout her life. She married her high school sweetheart, Anthony Michael Bonarti, Sr., with whom she shared decades of devotion until his passing on July 28, 2013. Fran maintained strong, loving ties with family and dear friends, especially in Homer, NY, and most recently Tampa, FL. Fran is survived by her three children: Jeanne Marie Busch (Trent) of Virginia Beach, VA, and granddaughters Anneliese Margaret (20) and Madeleine Grace (18), Mary Claire Perkins of Tampa, FL, and grandsons Jacob Thomas (21), Kyle Henry (19), and Jack Anthony (17), Anthony Michael Bonarti Jr. (Martina) of Obernzenn, Germany, and grandson Anthony Manfred Bonarti. Education was one of Fran's greatest joys. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Our Lady of Good Counsel College in White Plains, NY, on June 3, 1966—days she often described as among the happiest of her life. She later completed her master's in education at the State University of New York at Cortland, preparing her for a career that would shape countless young lives. Fran dedicated 18 years to teaching at Dryden High School, where she found immense fulfillment in watching her students grow and excel. She retired in 2001 but continued serving her community through her work at the Phillips Free Library and her volunteer roles with the Jann Platt Library, St. Joseph's Auxiliary Gift Shop, and as a board member of the YWCA of Cortland New York. Her personal passions were as vibrant as her spirit. Fran was an avid gardener at the Tampa Heights Community Garden, a devoted bridge player, and an enthusiastic reader who participated in numerous book clubs. She cherished early mornings with a cup of coffee, watching the sun rise, and she enjoyed staying active through regular workouts at the YMCA. She also delighted in one of her favorite treats, softshell crabs. Faith was the cornerstone of Fran's life. She was a longtime parishioner at St. Margaret's Church in Homer, NY, and later at Christ the King Church in Tampa, FL. She participated in Circle K Club, bible study, and the St. Paul DeVincent Society. Fran often reflected that one of her greatest accomplishments was receiving her First Holy Communion, and she considered her unwavering faith—and the gift of God—among the most meaningful legacies she passed on to her children. Fran treasured her summers on Skaneateles Lake, NY, surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors who became an extension of her heart. A receiving line and Funeral Mass will be held celebrated at St. Margaret's Church on June 5, 2026. The family will be present to receive friends and guests in the church vestibule at St. Margarets Church starting at 9 a.m. A Funeral Mass in celebration of Frances life will follow at 10 a.m. A graveside service will follow immediately at St. Mary's Cemetery, where Fran will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband. A reception will follow immediately at the Performing Arts Center in Homer, NY. Fran's life was defined by compassion, faith, and a quiet strength that uplifted everyone around her. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the love she shared so generously. The Wright-Beard Funeral Home of Cortland is serving the family, online condolences may be left at www.wright-beard.com In keeping with Fran's humble and generous spirit, the family requests that donations be made to Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Assisi (https://sfmaus.org) or Cortland Loaves & Fishes (13 Court St., Cortland, NY 13045 (https://cortlandloavesandfishes.org, an organization dedicated to feeding the hungry with dignity and compassion, or St. Malachy Catholic School (https://imsphila.org/donate/ways-to-give/)