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)
