In Memoriam: Fair Havenite, Artist, Bonnie McKee Tortora, 83

“Bonnie’s greatest assets were her always positive attitude, dedication to the personal growth of others, her smile, good humor and a true love of all creation, from the birds to the troubled souls she helped heal throughout her life. She will be missed by those who knew her. Her legacy resides in all those who have crossed her path.” ~ family of Bonnie McKee Tortora

Fair Havenite and artist Bonnie McKee Tortora passed away. She was 83.

Bonnie was born to Nancy Boecking and Carlisle McKee, MD in Pittsburgh, PA.

Bonnie was inspired to the art of painting throughout her youth by the painting of her grandmother, mother and aunt.

She earned her B.A. in Art Education and Fine Art from Penn State University. After earning her B.A., she studied at the graduate level at the University of Wisconsin and several other schools.

“Bonnie loved everything Italian. That is; the people, food, culture, history, language and of course, the greatest art of all time. After several years of teaching, she and a friend moved to Milan, Italy for a period of two years. She taught English there, embracing all the things she loved in Italy and Europe. Returning home, she taught art at all grade levels at several schools on the east coast for 17 years. In the mid 80’s she pursued full time work as a professional artist. She has shown her work at a myriad of galleries and other institutions and juried art shows in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Vermont, including private and corporate sales. Bonnie developed an extensive and impressive resume over 40 years. Bonnie was ‘the real deal.’ She studied read and engaged art continuously.
It was who she was, not just what she did.”
Loved ones of Bonnie McKee Tortora in her obituary

In 2006, she became a member of The Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury. There she served “with great passion,” and was active in Presbyterian Women, Fellowship, Art and Governing Session.

She is survived by: her husband of 34 years, John J. Tortora D.D.S.; her brother, Carlisle Emerson McKee; her two nephews, Dustin and Erin McKee; and her two stepsons, Brandon and Jeremy Tortora.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 10 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 24 at 2 p.m. at The Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. at Shrewsbury Presbyterian Cemetery.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home