Bonnie E. Newman

Bonnie E. Newman of Chardon, passed away on December 14, 2016, at home surrounded by her family following a heroic battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 71. Bonnie grew up on her family’s historic farm in western Pennsylvania, graduating from California University of Pennsylvania in 1966. In 1967, Bonnie married the love of her life, Roland Newman. Together, they started a new life moving to Mentor, Ohio where she spent 9 years teaching third grade at Fairfax Elementary. They eventually moved to Chardon to build a home and raise their 2 children. Bonnie returned to teaching and also served as Director for the Mentor United Methodist Church Preschool. During her 30 year tenure, she helped generations of young children, “little persons” as she always called them, and their families prepare for kindergarten and beyond. A gifted and caring educator, when she would run into a former student she would not only remember the child’s name, but also recall specific details about them and their family. She was a fixture at Mentor United Methodist, serving as a trustee and volunteer. But she found her true calling when she became a grandmother and was beloved by her three granddaughters. She is survived by her husband of 49 years Roland M. Newman; son Stewart (Senia) Newman; daughter Elizabeth Newman (Marty McGann); granddaughters: Trista, Marin and Brooke; mother Berniece Swagler; sister Joy Knohr, and brother Harold Swagler, Jr. Preceding Bonnie in death is her father Harold Swagler and infant sister Laura Lee Swagler. A Celebration of Bonnie’s life & memorial service will be held at 10 am Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Mentor United Methodist Church, 8600 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church gallery. The family requests contributions may be made to the Mentor United Methodist Church Preschool program, 8600 Mentor Ave. Mentor, OH. 44060 or Hospice of Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave. Cleveland, OH. 44110. Arrangements entrusted to Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave. Mentor, OH. 44060. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com