Celebrating the life of
Paula Bonnet Ellis
June 19, 1945 - June 26, 2012
Paula Ruth Bonnet Ellis
Paula Ruth Bonnet Ellis, 67, passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, GA after a difficult battle with CBGD. She was born June 19, 1945 in Washington, D.C. to the late Harold and Sadie Bonnet.
Paula was a longtime tour guide at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. She was proud to serve a term as the head of all volunteers at the Kennedy Center. She served several terms as the head of volunteers for the Kennedy Center Honors productions. The Kennedy Center honored Paula as a Friend For Life. She also volunteered as an art teacher in the Montgomery County Public Schools for over ten years, as well as teaching Sunday School, and volunteering in many other civic organizations in the D.C. area.
She was also an active member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church on Skidaway Island.
She is survived by her husband, Lee T. Ellis, of Savannah, two daughters and sons-in-law, Lynn and Bill Hency, of St. Louis, MO, and Louisa and Dan Gorton, of Denver, CO, also four grandchildren, Julia Hency, Billy Hency, Olivia Gorton, Audrey Gorton, one sister, Cynthia Bonnet, of West Chester, PA, one niece and two nephews.
A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be announced at a later date.
Remembrances may be made to The Kennedy Center, or The University Club Foundation, both in Washington, DC.
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
We are heartbroken over the premature loss of our childhood classmate. We have the fondest of memories of this sincere, talented and personable lady...who was always accessible to her friends in her Lovell Avenue home. God bless and hold tight Paula Bonnet.
- Mike & Dale Nepi, Lorton, VA
Lynn and family, I know the emptiness your feeling. Remember how much she loved all of you and how very proud she was of her family. She will always be with you in spirit. If you need a hug or just someone to listen, I'm always here. God Bless
- Esther Brewer, Fenton, MO
I knew Paula via her phenomenal volunteer giving at the Kennedy Center. Paula was so positive and helpful and willing to do so many things. She was an inspiration to us and very much missed since her move to GA, and now even more. May she rest in peace.. Blessings and prayers to her family.
- Barbara Yost, Alexandria, VA
Dear Family, Paula carried a bright light for us in her warm and welcoming hospitality she offered so freely. She preserved many family memories and initiated new ones. She had broad arms to encompass us all. She was gallant, generous, loving, and supportive.
- Thomas Swain, Kennett Square, PA
Dear Family, Paula carried a bright light for us in her warm and welcoming hospitality she offered so freely. She preserved many family memories and initiated new ones. She had broad arms to encompass us all. She was gallant, generous, loving, and supportive.
- Thomas Swain, Kennett Square, PA
We'll so miss our dear friend Paula. She gave of herself constantly and unselfishly and never asked for or expected anything in return. Her greatest gift to us was our time together, and we'll forever cherish those wonderful memories. Our hearts go out to Lee, Lynn, Luisa, and the rest of Paula's family and we hope they take comfort in the peace Paula now is enjoying.
- Ann & Doug Lee, Dixon, IL
My Sister Paula was a Beautiful Soul and Lover of Life. Even when faced with the adversity of an incurable disease, she persevered with Dignity and Grace. She was an avid gardener, a gourmet cook, a sewer and artist, a reader, sports enthusiast and appreciator of the Beauty of Life. Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother and Friend, she was All and The Best she could be to everyone she knew. She had the bluest eyes I have ever seen. She passed on the same day as our Father,14 years ago. When I think of her, I see her smiling with a golden glow. We had our goodbyes and I know her Spirit and Soul is at Peace, now. Paula, you will always be in my Heart. I Love You.
- Cindy Bonnet, West Chester, PA
Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- The Durso Family, St. Louis, MO
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please know we love you and are here for you if you need us.
- Jane Ilges, O'Fallon, MO
Lynn & Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Lynn if you need anything please let me know.
- Janice Harrison, St Peters, MO
Lynn, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Diane
- Diane Brown, Chesterfield, MO
Our daily prayers are with you and your family. So sorry to hear about your loss. Scott and Sandy Koenig
- Sandy Koenig, , MO
I am so sorry for your loss. Lynn I will be thinking of you and your family and all are in my prayers. Sara
- Sara Hollenkamp, St. Louis, MO
Lynn I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. My prayers are with you and your family and your father.
- Teresa Davis, Kirkwood, MO
Lynn, My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May God bless you and hold you close. Lauri Cronin
- Lauri Cronin, Paducah, KY
We have been friends with Paula for 45 years. She embraced life as much at the end of her life as she did as a 22 year old, young mother. Our dinners together were lengthy, filled with good food, lots of drinks, interesting stories, and good laughs. She never lost her sense of humor. Our lives were richer for being good friends with Paula.
- Kenneth and Sharon Cohen, Reston, VA
Lynn, I have know idea what you must be going through in losing what I think is the single most important compass in my life. I know your mom was that to you, too, and with this loss comes so many layers of heartache. Please know my heart is open to giving you anything you might need during this time of incredible loss.
- Stacy Ladousier, Fenton, MO
A wonderful lady and a beautiful soul. She touched the lives of everyone she met, and she will be missed. Thoughts and prayers during this hard time.
- Lauren Gorton, Kansas City, MO
Forgot to mention, best Mom in the world.
- Louisa Gorton, Lone Tree, CO
Paula was wonderful person who will be missed by many. My condolences to her entire family and friends.
- Danny McGowan, Granite City, IL
We are heartbroken over the premature loss of our childhood classmate. We have the fondest of memories of this sincere, talented and personable lady...who was always accessible to her friends in her Lovell Avenue home. God bless and hold tight Paula Bonnet.
- Mike & Dale Nepi, Lorton, VA
Lynn and family, I know the emptiness your feeling. Remember how much she loved all of you and how very proud she was of her family. She will always be with you in spirit. If you need a hug or just someone to listen, I'm always here. God Bless
- Esther Brewer, Fenton, MO
I knew Paula via her phenomenal volunteer giving at the Kennedy Center. Paula was so positive and helpful and willing to do so many things. She was an inspiration to us and very much missed since her move to GA, and now even more. May she rest in peace.. Blessings and prayers to her family.
- Barbara Yost, Alexandria, VA
Dear Family, Paula carried a bright light for us in her warm and welcoming hospitality she offered so freely. She preserved many family memories and initiated new ones. She had broad arms to encompass us all. She was gallant, generous, loving, and supportive.
- Thomas Swain, Kennett Square, PA
Dear Family, Paula carried a bright light for us in her warm and welcoming hospitality she offered so freely. She preserved many family memories and initiated new ones. She had broad arms to encompass us all. She was gallant, generous, loving, and supportive.
- Thomas Swain, Kennett Square, PA
We'll so miss our dear friend Paula. She gave of herself constantly and unselfishly and never asked for or expected anything in return. Her greatest gift to us was our time together, and we'll forever cherish those wonderful memories. Our hearts go out to Lee, Lynn, Luisa, and the rest of Paula's family and we hope they take comfort in the peace Paula now is enjoying.
- Ann & Doug Lee, Dixon, IL
My Sister Paula was a Beautiful Soul and Lover of Life. Even when faced with the adversity of an incurable disease, she persevered with Dignity and Grace. She was an avid gardener, a gourmet cook, a sewer and artist, a reader, sports enthusiast and appreciator of the Beauty of Life. Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother and Friend, she was All and The Best she could be to everyone she knew. She had the bluest eyes I have ever seen. She passed on the same day as our Father,14 years ago. When I think of her, I see her smiling with a golden glow. We had our goodbyes and I know her Spirit and Soul is at Peace, now. Paula, you will always be in my Heart. I Love You.
- Cindy Bonnet, West Chester, PA
Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- The Durso Family, St. Louis, MO
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please know we love you and are here for you if you need us.
- Jane Ilges, O'Fallon, MO
Lynn & Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Lynn if you need anything please let me know.
- Janice Harrison, St Peters, MO
Lynn, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Diane
- Diane Brown, Chesterfield, MO
Our daily prayers are with you and your family. So sorry to hear about your loss. Scott and Sandy Koenig
- Sandy Koenig, , MO
I am so sorry for your loss. Lynn I will be thinking of you and your family and all are in my prayers. Sara
- Sara Hollenkamp, St. Louis, MO
Lynn I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. My prayers are with you and your family and your father.
- Teresa Davis, Kirkwood, MO
Lynn, My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May God bless you and hold you close. Lauri Cronin
- Lauri Cronin, Paducah, KY
We have been friends with Paula for 45 years. She embraced life as much at the end of her life as she did as a 22 year old, young mother. Our dinners together were lengthy, filled with good food, lots of drinks, interesting stories, and good laughs. She never lost her sense of humor. Our lives were richer for being good friends with Paula.
- Kenneth and Sharon Cohen, Reston, VA
Lynn, I have know idea what you must be going through in losing what I think is the single most important compass in my life. I know your mom was that to you, too, and with this loss comes so many layers of heartache. Please know my heart is open to giving you anything you might need during this time of incredible loss.
- Stacy Ladousier, Fenton, MO
A wonderful lady and a beautiful soul. She touched the lives of everyone she met, and she will be missed. Thoughts and prayers during this hard time.
- Lauren Gorton, Kansas City, MO
Forgot to mention, best Mom in the world.
- Louisa Gorton, Lone Tree, CO
Paula was wonderful person who will be missed by many. My condolences to her entire family and friends.
- Danny McGowan, Granite City, IL
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
