Bonnie Jean Romanosky, 74, passed away on Monday, November 13, 2023, surrounded by her children and loving husband, after an epic battle with Stage IV breast cancer.

Bonnie was born on December 3, 1948, in Baltimore to Charles and Theresa Fridey. She met her husband of 53 years, Robert (Bob) Romanosky, serving ice cream at The Dairy Bar in McMurray, PA. They attended California University together and the rest was history. It was also at California University where Bonnie received her undergraduate and Master’s degrees in special education. She loved teaching special ed and she kept in touch with several of her students all these years.

Above all, Bonnie was a dedicated mother. She treasured her children and enjoyed every moment with them. She especially loved her role as “Grandma”, “Griyon”, and “GaGa” to her 4 wild and lovable grandchildren.

Bonnie was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997. Subsequently, she continued to battle 5 additional cancers throughout the years all while raising her children, gardening, volunteering, canning, and spending time with her friends and family. She rarely asked for help through countless surgeries, chemotherapies, and treatments. Her grit and drive to make every day on this earth count helped her beat cancer time and time again. Until the moments of her passing, she fought this battle, but was ultimately still able to go on her own terms, surrounded by loved ones.

Bonnie was not only an incredible mother and grandmother but the best cook in Western Pennsylvania. She grew her own food, canned everything, and saved every vegetable like she was living in the 1800s. That beautiful food was transformed into meals made with love and tons of garlic. Bonnie was especially famous for her Northern Italian cooking and homemade black raspberry pies. One of her grandson’s first words was “pie” for a good reason!

Bonnie was active in her church, St. Ann’s parish, until her health made it too difficult. Bonnie, Bob, and several other members of the church started The Guatemalan Mission group that helped support children in Patzun, Guatemala and the surrounding areas. Bonnie made it her mission to give these children the best life possible and support them in having a chance to break the cycle of poverty in a third world country. Even when she was too sick to travel to Guatemala she helped from behind the scenes, making care kits for the teenage girls or organizing fundraisers for trips. Caring for people and expecting nothing in return was one of her many defining characteristics.

Bonnie will always be honored, loved, and remembered by her family and friends. She is a superhero in our eyes. She raised five children, battled 6 different cancers, shoveled “precious sheep manure” for her garden, filled a cellar with canned fruits and vegetables, cooked like a professional chef, and kept up with her grandchildren. And she did it with a love and compassion that can never be matched. You brought happiness to us all and nourished our souls. We already miss you dearly.

Bonnie is survived by her husband, Robert Romanosky; children, Anna Romanosky-Cleveland (Brian), Christa Romanosky, Ryan Romanosky (Kristy), Tyler Romanosky, and Alena Romanosky (Alan); grandchildren, Ezra, Avi, Jax, and Zara Cleveland. She is also survived by her siblings, Ken (Annette), Renee (Larry), David (Kelly); and loving mother-in-law, Irene (Bob) Romanosky.

Friends will be received on Friday, November 17, 2023, from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 P.M. in the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson at E. Katherine Ave., Washington, S. Timothy Warco, Owner/Supervisor, S. Timothy Warco II, Director, Holly Renay Warco, Director, Park N. Crosier, Director. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 18, 2023, in the funeral home with Father Al McGinnis officiating. Interment will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemtery, McMurray, PA. Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com

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