Florence (Bonnie) Kellner
2/8/2022
Florence, 89, known as Bonnie to all who knew and loved her, was called Home by her Lord and Saviour on Tuesday, Feb 8th. She passed onto Glory surrounded by her family at their home in Pawcatuck, CT.
Bonnie was born on December 20, 1932 in Springfield, MA to Edmund and Sadie McClelland of Brooklyn, NY. She was the younger sister of Gertrude (McClelland) DiCicco. As a young woman Bonnie met and married Edwin A. Kellner of Richmond Hill, Queens on June 11, 1955. They met through a Christian evangelical ministry known as The Gospel Ambassadors in New York City. This began a beautiful, 62 year life journey together filled with love, family, and service to their Lord. Bonnie was an accomplished pianist who filled her home and many churches with music.
Besides Ed and music, Bonnie loved children. In 1962 they welcomed twin boys, Kevin and Keith to the Kellner family. 3½ years later Lori was born and their family was complete. Before Lori was 1 yo, they moved the family out to Smithtown , NY. In 1966 Smithtown, halfway out on Long Island, was the end of the world to all their family and friends in and around New York City. Bonnie dedicated herself to being the best wife and mother she could be. Her home was warm and welcoming with family dinners around the kitchen table every night. She kept a beautiful home and could stretch a dollar farther than anyone, yet always had time for her family. She was the neighborhood taxi-driver for her children and their friends. She could drive and park a station wagon like a pro!
Bonnie also dedicated her time and talents to church ministries at Village Lane Bible Chapel in Hauppauge, NY and Cleft of the Rock Bible Chapel in Commack, NY. She played the piano or organ for services, Sunday School, contatas, and weddings. She taught a music class for home-schooled children, directed a children’s choir, and taught piano lessons.
After Bonnies children were grown, her family grew again when Lori married David George of Hamden, CT, and Keith married Patricia Maloney of Dix Hills, NY. Bonnie was so excited to become a grandmother in 1991 when her first grandson, Colton George, was born. In the next 5 years she welcomed 3 more grandsons, Kurtis George, Jared Kellner, and Dale George. Bonnie would welcome one more grandchild, this time a granddaughter, Alianna Kellner.
Around 1999 Ed and Bonnie sold their house in Smithtown and moved in with Lori and David in CT. Bonnie’s grandson Kurtis had been born with a rare genetic disorder, and Lori and David welcomed the additional help with all three boys. Bonnie again used her piano-playing talents at Wellspring Bible Fellowship in Groton, CT for many years, until dementia robbed her of that great joy. After Ed passed in 2018, Lori took over the care of her mom and they both made some very special friends willing to dedicate themselves to helping others. Bonnie received care through PACE of Westerly R.I., Homecare Services of CT, the VNA of SE CT, Beacon Hospice, Dr. Terrence Doherty, and the wonderful saints at Wellspring Bible Fellowship until her death.
Bonnie was also the very proud aunt of her 2 dear nieces, Nancy Peters and Susan Levison, both of Long Island, NY. She doted on their children (and grandchildren) as well. They loved and kept in touch with their aunt with phone calls, cards, pictures, and flowers to the very end.
Bonnie was blessed and lived a beautiful, full life. Although recognized early in her working career for her intelligence and excellent organizational skills (Bonnie was an accomplished executive and legal secretary), her passions were her God, her husband, her children, her family + friends, and her music. And she gave them her all.
Bonnie's family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home in Mystic, CT on Wednesday February 16 from 3 to 7pm.
Visitation on Long Island will take place at The Bryant Funeral Home in East Setauket, NY on Friday February 18 from 11am to 1pm, with a Graveside Service at Washington Memorial Park immediately following.
To share a message of condolence or remembrance with her family, please click the link below.