Bonnie McKee Tortora, a resident of Fair Haven, passed away to eternal life at the age of 83. Bonnie was born to Nancy Boecking and Carlisle McKee, M.D., in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
She is survived by her husband of 34 years, John J. Tortora, D.D.S., her brother Carlisle Emerson McKee, her two nephews, Dustin McKee and Erin McKee, and her two stepsons, Brandon Tortora and Jeremy Tortora.
Bonnie was inspired to create art throughout her youth by the paintings of her grandmother, mother and aunt. She earned her B.A. in art education and fine art from Penn State University. Then, she attended many graduate-level courses at the University of Wisconsin and several other schools.
Bonnie loved everything Italian: 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 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-80s she pursued full-time work as a professional artist. Her work has been shown at myriad 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. She was “the real deal.” She studied, read about and engaged with art continuously. It was who she was, not just what she did.
In 2006 she became a member of The Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury. There she served with great passion, being active in Presbyterian Women, fellowship, art and governing sessions. 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.
Visitation was held May 10 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. May 24 at The Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury, 352 Sycamore Ave., Shrewsbury. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. at Shrewsbury Presbyterian Cemetery, Shrewsbury.
The article originally appeared in the May 18 – 24, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
