Eleanor (Larson) Bonafonte

Eleanor Bonafonte, 101, formerly of Point O’ Woods, South Lyme and New Britain, CT, died peacefully on March 24, 2025 at St. Mary Home in West Hartford, CT. Eleanor was born on August 4, 1923 in New Britain, the daughter of John E. Larson and Eugenia (Fredrickson) Larson. She was the widow of Bruno Bonafonte who died in 1991. A 1941 graduate of New Britain High School, she lived in New Britain for 73 years before moving to Point O’ Woods in South Lyme, CT in 1996. Her spiritual life was of great importance to her and she happily served her Lord at First Lutheran Church of the Reformation, New Britain, as a weekday and Sunday school teacher, eucharistic minister, choir member, Miriam Unit leader, Alter Guild secretary, two term President of the Church Council (and first woman to hold that post in the history of the Church). She continued her service after moving to the shore at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Old Saybrook, serving in many similar roles. An avid volunteer, she felt the need to serve and began doing so in her teens. She served as a nurse’s aide at New Britain General Hospital and as an Auxiliary Police officer during World War II, where she met her future husband, Bruno. She continued to volunteer at NBGH, The Hospital for Special Care and Newington Children’s Hospital for decades following. After moving to Point O’ Woods, she continued her active volunteerism at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding School, Literary Volunteers of America, New Life Prison Ministry and many other local charities. She was a member and supporter of many organizations. She loved music, the arts, swimming, walking, baking, yard work and animals and had a particular love for the special place that is Point O’ Woods where she was a proud member and former president of their Women’s Club. She is survived by special family who she loved dearly. Her daughter, Jean and stepdaughter Joyce (Peter), her grandchildren Mark (Janine), Kevin (Brooke) Steven (Catie) and Kristin (Joe) along with 8 great-grandchildren, her nieces Elaine and Sharon, her nephews, Robert and Greg, and their children. Also, her many cousins and relatives in Sweden who are remembered for their kindness and connection over the years. Eleanor was pre-deceased by a brother, Teddy Larson, and sisters Madeline Haakerud and Doris Moberg. The family would like to thank all those who helped in Eleanor’s care and showed her kindness over the past year as she reached the end of her life – she never complained and always was ready to greet each new day. A memorial service will be held on Saturday April 26 at 11:00 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 56 Great Hammock Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church at the address above or High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, 36 Town Woods Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371.

Eleanor (Larson) Bonafonte

August 4, 1923 - March 24, 2025

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Eleanor (Larson) Bonafonte

August 4, 1923 - March 24, 2025

365 Days of Grief Support

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