Bonna L. (Wareham) Burkhouse, 95, Formerly of Totten Hollow, Bradford, PA
Bonna L. (Wareham) Burkhouse, 95, formerly of Totten Hollow, Bradford, PA, passed away peacefully at Chapel Ridge Assisted Living at the Bradford Ecumenical Home, surrounded in her final days by the love of her family and the caring staff who cherished her. Throughout her long and vibrant life, she was known for her unfailing appreciation, steadfast faith, ready wit, and deep love for her family.
Born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1930, in Sandy Lake, Bonna was the beloved only child of Charles and Bessie Wareham. Raised with affection—and a legendary family tale that her mother had found her “in a suitcase on a stump”—she grew up in the area, residing for a time in Knapp Creek. She graduated from Bradford High School in 1948 and soon after began working at the McCourt Label Company in Bradford.
On March 25, 1950, at Sawyer Evangelical United Brethren Church, she married James C. Burkhouse, Jr. who preceded her in death on January 5, 2020.
In 1964, Bonna attended cosmetology school, sharpening her new skills by practicing endlessly on her daughters’ bangs, urging them to “sit still” through haircuts that occasionally turned out a bit shorter than planned. Following her training, she opened Bonna’s Beauty Salon, a cozy one-station, two-dryer shop run right out of the back of the family home. Serving a faithful circle of regulars, she offered modest $2 and $3 permanent waves and weekly wash-and-sets. While tax time usually revealed she broke even at best, Bonna treasured every minute for the lifelong friendships and community connection the salon brought into her life.
Bonna later worked at Finer Floors and Furniture and National City Bank as a teller. Upon retirement she enjoyed wintering in Hempstead TX with her husband and Texas family.
Bonna was a woman of industrious creativity. Her home was a living canvas where horizontal surfaces were often happily devoted to projects—whether sewing, decoupaging, or hand-tinting black-and-white portraits for Olan Mills. She frequently sang a clear, beautiful alto while doing household chores, passing on a natural gift of harmony to her children. Her kitchen was famous for its unique culinary lore: she and her family often laughted about such legendary tales as cakes that survived rolling down the hill and her infamous “gingerbread gravy”—where she accidentally omitted sugar while making a ginger sauce. Family members also learned quickly never to trust the contents of a repurposed Cool Whip or I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter container in her refrigerator.
Her life was anchored by an unwavering faith. Bonna was the last surviving founding member of Sawyer Evangelical Church, established in 1969. Over decades of devotion, she taught Sunday school, served as Sunday school superintendent, sang in the church choir, and was an active, lively voice in the Care and Share class.
Together with her late husband, Bonna shared an adventurous spirit and a deep passion and support for mission work and travel. In their younger years, they rode with the “Bow and Arrow Gang” motorcycle group, proudly becoming only the second couple to cross the span of the Kinzua Bridge on motorcycles.
Their short-term mission travels took them across the world to Africa, Honduras, Italy, and Israel. As her later memory became more creative, she repeated an ever-evolving story of a harrowing flight she was on. In her later version, the pilot burst from the cockpit to stop a flight attendant from opening a cabin door at 30,000 feet because of smoke coming from the luggage compartment—saving the plane and its passengers.
Bonna loved camping, tending her flower beds, and spending time with her family. For 22 years, she and her husband spent their winters in Hempstead to be near their children and grandchildren—first staying in their camper before purchasing a winter home.
Above all, Bonna cherished motherhood and grandmothering. In early years she delighted in keeping her daughters home from school for the mildest sniffles just to spend extra time playing together. Her iconic, high-pitched morning wake-up call from the bottom of the stairs could rouse anyone from the deepest sleep. She loved all her grandchildren equally, making sure she was always near as they grew and flourished.
In her final years at Chapel Ridge and Bradford Ecumenical Home, Bonna was a light to those around her—never complaining, consistently expressively grateful, and constantly telling everyone around her that she loved them.
Surviving are three daughters, Susan (Bruce Winquist) Giannantonio of Humble, Texas, Jamie (David) Trask of Smethport, Kerrie (Mark) Pessia of Lewis Run, 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday October 14, 2026, from 10 am to 11 am at the Sawyer Evangelical Church, followed by funeral services at 11 am with the Rev. Homer Williams officiating. Private burial will be in McKean Memorial Park Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Sawyer Evangelical Church or to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
