Bonnie J. Bassano

Bonnie J. Bassano, 50, of Ashley Lane, Spring Twp., a teacher aide for Whitfield Elementary School, West Lawn, died in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center Feb.16, following a brief illness.

She was the wife of Theodore Bassano.

Bassano was employed in various educational capacities, including as a Teacher Assistant in the Whitfield Elementary School, West Lawn, PA, from 1997-present; as an Instructional Support Aide for the Dallas Elementary School, Dallas, PA; as Direcotor of Activities and Social Services for ACS Christian Manor, Pittson, PA, from 1987-89; and as an Office Staff Supervisor for ACCORD, A Center for Dispute Resolution, Inc., Binghamton, NY, from 1983-84.

Bassano was a 1977 graduate of Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield, IL, with an AA in Liberal Arts, and a 1980 graduate of Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL, with a B.S. in Social Work with a Minor in Psychology.

She was active in many professional and community activities. Among them were involvement in volunteer work for school fundraisers, church bazaars, theatre productions, and Junior High Parent/Teacher Organizations, where she served as an officer.

Born in Tunkhannock, PA, she was the daughter of Emma M. (Fuhrey)Gaylord, Tunkhannock, PA, and the late William M. Gaylord.

Surviving are one daughter, Maria J. Bassano, attending Millersville University, and two step-daughters, Lisa M. (Bassano) Cassella, Albany, NY, and Gina M. (Bassano)Wright, Schenectady, NY.

Other survivors include one brother, William F. Gaylord, Tunkannock, and three step-grandchildren, Kyle Wright, Cole Wright, and Michaela Cassella.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 AM in St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church, Whitfield, on Saturday, February 21. There will be a viewing at the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, West Reading, on Friday evening, Feb. 20, from 7:00-9:00 PM. Entombment will be in Gethsemane Mausoleum, Muhlenberg Township. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 498 Bellevue Ave., Reading, PA, 19605.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements.