Bonnie (Ann) White

Bonnie (Ann) McDougal White, age 81, formerly of Ramsey, NJ, sadly passed away on March 19, 2024, at Brigham and Women’s Memorial Hospital in Boston, MA.

Bonnie was born in Buffalo, NY, the daughter of Elliott and Jane (Heath) McDougal.

After being awarded a full scholarship, Bonnie graduated from The Park School of Buffalo, NY in 1960.  These were some of her happiest days, creating cherished and long lasting memories.  During this time, she studied abroad as an A.F.S. student in Italy.  She went on to study English at the University of Buffalo, where she was a very social and involved student, acting as the president of her sorority, Sigma Kappa. Upon graduating in 1964, she worked as an English teacher at Newfane High School, NY and later went on to pursue two master’s degrees in NJ.

Bonnie was dedicated to serving and helping others.  She collaborated with many volunteer organizations, such as remaining active with A.F.S. and hosting foreign students, the Junior League, and The Hermitage Museum in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ.  She volunteered at her daughters’ schools as the “picture lady”, speaking to elementary school children about famous artwork.  She worked for the Bergen County Council on Alcoholism and with the River Dell School District in Oradell, NJ.  She was a well loved and respected Student Assistant Counselor and Guidance Counselor.  She meaningfully touched the lives of the many students who crossed her path.

Bonnie was a creative talent with a limitless imagination, from hand sewing Halloween costumes and birthday party bags to painting and refinishing antique furniture.  Her hobbies and interests included summers at the ocean, needlepoint, reading, music, attending broadway shows, discussing current events and pop culture.  In her younger days, she was an avid dancer, tennis, paddle ball, and bridge player.  She rekindled her love of bridge while living in Fort Lee, NJ and at the Whitney Suites in Westborough, MA. What brought her the most joy was spending time with her three daughters, five grandchildren, and friends.

She is survived by her three adoring and heartbroken daughters: Heather Morello (John) of Wilton, CT; Betsy Tanennebaum (Bruce) of Hopkinton, MA; and Jane White of New York City. She is also survived by her five treasured grandchildren, Matteo, Anna, Alex, Mattthew, and Phoebe.  In addition, Bonnie is survived by her sister Heather Holmes of Sun City Center, FL and her former husband, Gerrit White of The Villages, FL.

Bonnie will be interred at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, NY at a later date.

Please join us in remembering Bonnie and share your fond memories by posting to her tribute wall.

A photo tribute video will appear here soon.