Obituary of Bonita Tomasina

Bonita “Bonnie” Tomasina was a wife, mother, meemaw, sister, nurse, business professional, and dear friend who passed away on January 3, 2022, at the age of 77 after her long goodbye due to the effects of Alzheimer’s – reminding us along the way to, “never get old because losing your memory sucks.”

She was born to Herschell and Marion (Fross) Johnson on December 2, 1944, in Parkers Landing, PA. She grew up in Marysville, OH, and after graduating from high school, Bonnie chased her dream and attended Fort Wayne School of Nursing to become a nurse. After leaving nursing, she continued to work in different capacities in the medical field her entire career. She married and raised her family (Joseph and Jodi) in Columbus, OH.

Bonnie’s pride was in her family and friends, and she shared her passion for them through her love & support, an encouraging card or letter, a telephone call, smile, advice, or a helping hand. She had a true heart of gold and a special knack for stepping up to help – like coaching when no one else would or adopting a platoon by becoming a pen pal & sending boxes of items from home to soldiers who did not have family to do so. She was also known for her spaghetti dinners, cookouts, and love for anything sweet – especially ice cream! She also loved The Ohio State Buckeyes, a good book, mowing the grass, tending to her flower beds, and found happiness in her daily activities.

Bonnie is preceded in death by her daughter Angela Tomasina; parents Herschell & Marion Johnson; sister Patricia Tucker and brother William Johnson.

Bonnie is survived by her son Joseph (Sabrina) Tomasina; daughter Jodi Tomasina (Jonathan Ruman); sister Norma (Fred) Ormeroid; sister-in-law Terry Johnson; grandchildren JT and Shelby Tomasina; special friends Paul & Keilah Harrell, Chad & Alexandria Fitch, Tyler & Sydney Reid and many nieces, nephews, close friends, and grand puppies.

Respite Care of Charleston was a program she attended for many years. She enjoyed activities such as cooking, crafts, sign language, games, and more that kept her and others suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia active. The program is also a wonderful source for families through their group meetings. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to www.RespiteCareCharleston.org or check made payable to Respite Care Charleston and mailed to 1605 Harbor View Road, Charleston, SC 29412.  

No services are scheduled, and a celebration of life will be determined for a later date.