Bonita “Bonnie” Elizabeth (Ferragamo) Torra, of Medford, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 21st, at the Brudnick Center for Living of Peabody. She was 87.
Born in Revere, on April 7, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Christopher and Elizabeth (Botticelli) Ferragamo. Bonita and her late husband Frank married on April 17, 1949 at St. Anthony’s Church in Revere. As a young woman, she worked as a hair dresser for many years. A woman of great faith, she and her husband worked together to build a home for their children that was surrounded by love and support. After raising her family, she attended Bunker Hill Community College. After obtaining her Associates Degree, she worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the Department of Public Works as a bookkeeper. Following her retirement, Bonita volunteered at the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home on a full-time basis. It brought her joy to be able to give back to her community by aiding to the veterans.
In Bonnie’s spare time, she enjoyed cooking for those she loved. She was also passionate about ballroom dancing. Bonnie and Frank always went out dancing together and she continued to dance later in life. A lover of music, Bonnie had a beautiful voice. Her children have many fond memories of their mother singing to them, but one song that sticks out is “Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
Bonnie was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She was always fun to be with, full of life and spirit. Bonnie never missed any occasion and truly loved a party.
Bonnie was the beloved wife of the late Frank Torra, who passed away in 1988. The two shared thirty-nine loving years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Lucille E. Pisano and her husband Richard of Maine, Joseph M. Torra and his wife Molly of Somerville, Elizabeth T. Covino and her husband David of Salem. Bonnie was the loving grandmother of Adam T. Pisano, Damian T. Pisano and his wife Jamie, all of S. Berwick, Maine, Alexandra Covino of New York City, Andy Covino of Salem, Julia and Celeste Torra, both of Somerville. The dear sister of Marina Regan of Whitman and the late Louis, Amerigo, Victor, Vincent, Orestes, Edward, Arthur Ferragamo, Rose Albrandi, and Gloria Simcox. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with the family on Tuesday, December 27th, from 9:30 through 11AM at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford, followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 441 Fellsway West, Medford, at 11:30AM. Services will conclude with interment at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Memorial contributions may be sent in Bonita's name to the Chelsea Soldiers' Home, by contacting the Commandant's Office at 617-887-7115 or the Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.