Amber Shannon Bonnet

March 4, 1940 - May 2, 2021

Shannon Bonnet (nee Rafferty) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on May 2, 2021 at the age of 81 having fought an incredibly courageous battle against an aggressive cancer. Shannon was born on March 4, 1940 in Newark, NJ. She met her soulmate, Robert Bonnet, when they were children in the Roseville United Methodist Church in Newark, in which her grandparents, Rev. Dr. Edson R. Leach and Rev. Louise Knowles Leach, were pastors. Shannon was a lifetime United Methodist Church member. The oldest of six children and loving daughter of Martin James Rafferty and Amber Leach Rafferty, Shannon married Bob on November 17, 1962 and they would share a lifelong adventure and incredible love story together for the next 53 years until his passing five years ago. Shannon represented the best in all of us and passionately embraced her 31 year teaching career in Commercial Township Public Schools where she was loved by her elementary school students. She was a wonderful role model and was always nurturing a love for learning. She worked to instill confidence, kindness and self esteem and encouraged every child to dream big, work hard and pursue their full potential. She loved the more than 800 students she taught as well as her colleagues, some of whom would become lifelong friends. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Drew University and her Master's Degree in Educational Counseling from Rowan University. Shannon lived a beautiful life filled with love, kindness, generosity, and happiness. Throughout her life her family and friends were her pride and joy. She always lifted up everyone around her with her caring joyful spirit, great sense of humor and her exuberant passion for living. Shannon and Bob enjoyed their summers at the beach swimming, sailing and having fun with family and friends. They could be found riding the waves on their kayaks, scootering around the local communities, playing bridge and backgammon, and enjoying food at many of their favorite places. She loved poetry and music. The world is a far more beautiful place because of the wonderful person she was and the life she lived. She is survived by her son, Robert Bonnet and his wife Susan, her daughter Marjorie Bonnet and her five grandchildren (the joy of her life) Martin, Carly, Kaitlyn, Rachel, and Lily of whom she was so proud and loved so dearly. She is also survived by her sisters Sondra Rafferty and Amber Wiltsie and her brother Edson Rafferty, as well as her sisters in law Joan Adair, Carol Walsh and Joanne Rafferty Boogaard. She was predeceased by her sister Dietra Anne, brother Martin and brothers in law Edward Wiltsie and Orrie Adair. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews whom she so loved and enjoyed. Out of respect for all amidst covid, only family and close friends will gather for a small intimate memorial service to celebrate Shannon’s life in early June. A zoom link will be provided on the Perinchief Chapel website for all others who would like to participate remotely. In addition, all are invited to share their thoughts and memories about Shannon on the Perinchief Chapel website. Shannon had a great love of all animals and throughout her life always had a dog or cat as a loving member of her family, most recently their dog Sunny. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shannon's name to the Ocean City Humane Society –1 Shelter Road, Ocean City, NJ 08226 Alison Perinchief is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Shannon Bonnet Memorial Service Time: Jun 5, 2021 10:45 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84256934346?pwd=WmJ0ZlR1SExURTNENTBEYVFaTjV1dz09 Meeting ID: 842 5693 4346 Passcode: 127323