Patricia (Patsie) Bonardi — a longtime and much-loved Westport teacher — died peacefully, surrounded by her family on November 4. She was 94.
A longtime resident of Westport and Bethlehem, New Hampsire, “she left a legacy as a dedicated, inspiring educator and civic activist,” her obituary says.
The Littleton, New Hampshire native graduated from Keene State Teachers College in 1953, with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Her obituary says, “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.”
Patsie earned her master’s from the University of Bridgeport in 1985.
She taught in elementary schools in Nashua and Littleton, New Hampshire immediately following graduation.
Patsie Bonardi
In Westport, where she taught 2nd grade for 39 years, she was recognized for her outstanding and creative teaching skills.
In 1989, the town recognized her with a Most Committed Citizen Award. In 1995 she was nominated by her former students, and was featured in “Who’s Who Among American Teachers.”
After her retirement and return to Bethlehem in 1996, she worked as a real estate broker. She was also very active in local organizations, including the Bethlehem Public Library which she served as a trustee. She was instrumental in realizing the dream of a new library.
She also served on the boards of WREN and the North Country Home Health Agency.
“She was often seen, and heard, at Bethlehem Select Board meetings where she was a vigilant citizen advocate,” her obituary says.
Her only sibling, Bevalie Bouchard, predeceased her in 2019. Her longtime companion, Paul Babbet, predeceased her in 1997.She is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held May 30, 2026 (1 p.m.,Mulburn Inn, Bethlehem, New Hampshire).
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.
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Patsie’s death drew many tributes on social media.
Mariana Lynn Castelli called her “an extraordinary teacher. I struggled with dyslexia (unknown in those days) and due to her patient, diligent, faithful efforts I learned to read and write.
“To me, Chuck Boisseau, Peter Mogren and many others, no doubt, Patsie Bonardi became a lifelong point of light.
“Several years ago we and our spouses gathered for brunch in New Hampshire in the town near where Peter and Patsie both lived.
“It was an extraordinary reunion. At my request Patsie read the opening paragraph to ‘The Box Car Children,’ a book she’d read to us decades before.
“I’d brought along my ancient copy, which she personalized with a message to me. I consider it a treasure.”
Katie Abelow Ruoff added, “Miss Bonardi remains my favorite teacher to this day. Among the many wonderful things she did in her classroom was recognize our birthdays by drawing a birthday cake on the blackboard and letting us tell her how we wanted it ‘frosted.’ Miss Bonardi would draw elaborate iced cakes in the colors we requested.”
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In 2021, “06880” saluted Patsie Bonardi. We wrote:
It took a while for this news to make it here. But it was worth waiting for.
After a long and legendary teaching career in Westport, beloved elementary school icon Patsie Bonardi returned to her hometown of Bethlehem, New Hampshire.
For her 90th birthday in June, the town gathered along Main Street. They celebrated her with a surprise “reverse parade.” Residents gathered outside the theater, post office and library, holding signs and cheering as she rode by in her convertible — with a police and fire truck escort.
Patsie Bonardi, during her parade. (Photo/Angel Larcom)
Elementary school students held handmade signs.
Bonardi was a longtime supporter of the Colonial Theater, and served as a library trustee and Home Health Care Board member. As part of her birthday celebration, residents raised $1,300 in her name for the theater.
(Hat tips: John and Carol Waxman)
OMG Pat Bonardi…When I was in first grade I had such an overwhelming crush on her that the powers that be would not place me in her second grade class. To me she was the most beautiful woman that I had ever seen. I think that back then she lived in a sweet cottage on the Giunta property on Saugatuck Ave. RIP Miss Bonardi….
Usually in a contained classroom , in first grade, students would never have the same teacher in a contained second grade class. With that said, my condolences go out to this fellow teacher.R.I.P
Jack, she was not first grade teacher. Nor, unfortunately did she become my second grade teacher..I was forced to admire her from afar…
Patsie taught both of our children, to great effect. She called her students “Angel poopskins.” The term of endearment was emblematic of her constant connection with each little mind she enveloped with her dedication to learning. Love and skill guided each of them through one of the most critical stages in their education. She blended love with encouragement that won the day with countless children, our two among them. We always said that if there were a way to clone Patsie, it would be a gift to all of us. Sainthood is insufficient to recognize her impact on Westport education.
I feel lucky to have had Miss Bonardi as my second grade teacher (at Hillspoint Elementary!). Still remember and cherish how she made every student feel recognized and capable. She was and remains one of my idols.
Patsie Bernardi taught my children in second grade. The story I always tell about Patsie involves my oldest son. Early in the school year, Sean came home to tell me about fighting on the bus. As a new parent, I was concerned! About a week later, he came home to tell me, “We solved the bus problem.”
Not quite a believer, I said, “ Oh really. That’s great!”
Patsie helped set up a student council and Sean was correct. The bus problem got solved and several weeks later, Sean came home to say, “Now we are working on the cafeteria.”
A little more of a believer, I said, “Oh, really,” and asked, “What are you doing?”
“We are putting flowers on the tables.” As someone who believes that children, even young children, can solve problems with a little guidance, I was so appreciative of her trust and the direction she provided to the children she taught. While I was sad to read about her death, I so appreciated learning about all she did after she retired. Thanks Dan for publishing this news.
Miss Bonardi was wonderful. Her dad owned a grocery store in Littleton, NH, where my grandfather was first selectman. They were close friends there for many years. What a joy it was when Pat appeared in Westport during the 1950s as a teacher at Saugatuck School! The Allen family revered her, as did so many other Westport families……….Tom Allen ’66
Wasn’t Mr. Mahakian at Saugatuck school? Maybe he taught with Miss Bonardi?
She was my 2nd grade teacher at Hillspoint Elementary, and one of my all time favorites. Lovely Lovely woman and amazing teacher ♥️♥️♥️
We actually loved her. Not just like you say “oh yeah, we loved Miss Bernardi”, we truly did. One of my best childhood memories. She helped me have the courage to wear my glasses. What a blessing she was
Miss Bonardi was my second grade teacher at Saugatuck elementary. What I remember most about those days was the serious crush I had on Judy Jones which, in retrospect, included several hilarious (failed) attempts to win her favor. Amazing that I can still remember all the teachers I had at Saugatuck before being transferred to Hillspoint. Kindergarden (Miss Shelly), First grade (Mrs. Tout) sp?, Third Grade (Miss Demayo). I wonder of any of these three are still alive?