Barbara June Bonfili

Barbara June Bonfili December 20, 1923 - January 6, 2014 Jan 22, 2014 Obituary Barbara June Davis Bonfili Dec. 20, 1923 to Jan.6, 2014 Celebrating 90 years of a full life. "When I am approaching 90 I want to grow up to be just like Barbara Bonfili. Funny, fearless, full of life, at peace, a student, an inspiration, "game for anything" ! She was an educator, a librarian, a historian, a volunteerin essence the total package. Thank you grandma for being an EXCEPTIONAL woman".granddaughter Andrea. Barb loved to listen and tell stories most ending with a great laugh. She was creative, generous, kind, vibrant and adventurous. She traveled the world, often alone, demonstrating her independence and a strong motivation to experience other cultures through their people, their traditions, their history and architecture, music and art. For a number of years in her home town of Morgantown West Virginia, her profession was that of wife and mother. Even then, it was quite obvious that she was one energetic individual. After the children had all entered school she became a student herself at WVU and graduated in 1961 with a BS in Elementary Education, English, Social Studies and Library Science. Her energy, stamina and perseverance continued and she completed her MSL from the University of Pittsburgh in 1965. She was the lead Librarian at Morgantown High School's Scott Davis Memorial Library ( named after a former principal and cousin to Barbara) from 1964-1984. She also served as a Media Specialist and Librarian in Duval County Florida public schools from 1984-1995. In 1984 Barb received the 14th Annual Dora Ruth Parks award for Outstanding Service to the West Virginia Library Association. She not only took an active role for herself in the West Virginia Library Association she served two terms as President, General Conference Chair , member of the Govenor's Advisory Council for Libraries, and Editor of West Virginia Libraries. She was an active and proud member of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Key Women Educators and the American Library Association for 40 years. After losing her beloved husband, Dominick Bonfili, at age 59 she retired from West Virginia public school teaching and ventured off to a new beginning and moved to Florida. Retirement lasted about two months before she knew her classroom days were not over. She taught as a media specialist and librarian for Duval County Public Schools for over 12 years retiring again at age 73. After a near catastrophic stroke in 2004 she spent a courageous year working towards complete independence which she gallantly achieved and returned to The Hammock in Palm Coast FL which is a Native American term for "peaceful place". Her neighbor's admired her strength, courage, determination and her never ending smile. She was often seen walking with her best friend, her collie, Mandy. After retiring for the second time, she soon found herself volunteering in St Augustine at the Historical Library. It was stated "she appeared like a gift from Heaven" to help catalog a never ending mound of books that others on staff could not get to. Her tenure in this role began in 2002 and ended in 2007. She so loved St Augustine, its rich history and she willingly gave her time and expertise to help preserve the historical resources. In her memory we have established a memorial at the historical library. If you wish to contribute please submit your contribution to the St Augustine Historical Society Research Library. Include Barbara Bonfili's name. Mail to: 271 Charlotte St., St. Augustine ,FL 32084. Her friends remember her with the following quote from Henry David Thoreau: "My life is like a stroll upon the beach as near the ocean's edge as I can go ".And so she did! She will be missed my many friends and family members. Barb was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Dominick Lendo Bonfili. Survivors include 5 children; Rex( "Champ") Brent ( Pati ) Bruce ( Gloria) , Linda , and Antoinette ( Toni ); eleven grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; sister Juanita D. Moore New Smyrna Florida. At Barbs request, a family reunion will be held in Morgantown West Virginia in the Spring.