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Obituary of Vera J. Bonislawski
Vera Jane Bonislawski December 23, 1923 - May 4, 2026
Vera Jane Bonislawski, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on May 4, 2026, at the age of 102. Born on December 23, 1923, she lived a life defined by faith, kindness, and a deep love for those around her.
Vera grew up in Bloomsburg and Benton, Pennsylvania, before embarking on a new chapter in Newark, New Jersey, where she worked for the Office of Dependency Benefits. It was there that a thoughtful co-worker introduced her to the man who would become the love of her life, Henry C. Bonislawski, Sr.
In 1966, Vera found her true calling when she joined the Orange Board of Education as a kindergarten aide - a role she would cherish for 36 remarkable years before retiring in September 2002. The children in her care were her great passion, and she poured her heart into each and every one of them.
A woman of strong and steadfast Christian faith, Vera carried her beliefs with grace throughout her entire life. Those who knew her will remember her for her warm smile, her gentle kindness, her caring nature, and her deep and genuine respect for all people.
Vera is survived by her daughters, Karen J. Bonislawski and Linda S. Mitola (nee Bonislawski) and her husband Peter Mitola III; her grandchildren, Peter Mitola IV and his wife Diane, and Dara L. Tansey (nee Mitola) and her husband Stephen; and her great-grandchildren, Callie R. Tansey, Landon H. Mitola, and Cora J. Tansey.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry C. Bonislawski Sr., and her son, Henry C. Bonislawski Jr.
Vera’s memory will be held forever in the hearts of all whose lives she touched.
Viewing Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 4:00-8:00 PM
Funeral Service Friday, May 8, 2026 | 12:00 Noon
Dangler Funeral Home, 340 Main Street, West Orange, New Jersey
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vera’s name to: St Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org or Feed the Children www.feedthechildren.org