Bonnie Jo Michael

Bonnie Jo Michael (nee Bohnstedt), born February 26, 1933 in Whitley County, IN, died on July 12, 2026. She was married in 1955 to Thomas Asher Michael, who predeceased her August 25, 2020.

Bonnie loved to travel, visit museums, enjoy the company of friends and family, attend concerts, and to try new experiences; she once described herself as “quietly unconventional.” Everyone who knew her recognized her intelligence, compassion, and quiet sense of humor.

She was also self-directed and persistent. Over her father’s objections and with the modest help of a benefactor, she saved enough money to enroll in nurse’s training in Fort Wayne, IN and became a Registered Nurse in 1953. After their wedding, she and Tom spent a year in Marburg, Germany, where Tom was doing graduate study on a Fulbright scholarship. Even though she knew no German, she volunteered at an orphanage there. On their return to the USA, while her husband was at Union Theological Seminary, Bonnie worked as nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City.

When the youngest of their three children began attending school, Bonnie began to volunteer at the Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center in Cinnaminson, New Jersey, where she was soon offered a part-time job. Bonnie loved working with the children and created many adaptive devices for “her kids.” This experience spurred her to pursue certification in Occupational Therapy. After completing her bachelors degree through Antioch College’s Philadelphia extension, she enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania’s OT program, graduating with honors in 1978. Over several decades, she had a long career in OT, nurturing the recovery of many clients at rehab centers, Easterseals, and Chestnut Hill Hospital. She was especially skilled at inventing methods to assist her patients to complete everyday tasks and encouraging them in their progress.

In 2011, Bonnie and Tom moved from Erdenheim, PA to Foulkeways at Gwynedd. Shortly after, Tom retired from many years of teaching at Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ. They continued to be active members of Calvary Presbyterian Church in Wyncote until they were unable to attend regularly. Foulkeways became their community, and they attended many events and concerts and deeply appreciated the care and kindness of the aides, nurses, and the entire staff at Foulkeways.

Bonnie is survived by three children who miss her deeply: Ann (David Sloan), Judith (Brian Kase) and John; four beloved grandchildren: Michael Sloan, Alice Sloan (Matt Hannafin), Claude Kasemichael, and Madeleine Kasemichael (David Bell); and a sister, Carol Ann Thomas of Point, TX. Donations in memory of Bonnie can be made to the Holiday Fund for Foulkeways Staff Members at Foulkeways of Gwynedd, PA or to the Easterseals Foundation. https://www.foulkeways.org/charitable-giving/give-online/

The family is planning a remembrance gathering for Bonnie at Foulkeways in autumn, date to be determined.

“Sail on, silver girl,” we love you.