Bonita Lynn “Bonnie” Sansonetti, 78, of Blairsville, PA passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving sisters.
The daughter of Nick J. and Margaret (Upton) Sansonetti, she was born April 2, 1947, in Latrobe, PA.
Bonnie was a member of SS Simon & Jude Roman Catholic Church in Blairsville.
She resided in Bethesda, MD for over 40 years. The location was perfect and she took advantage of the miles of beautiful walking trails.
She built a successful career in the United States Senate having served Senator Charles Percy and rising to personal staff levels with Senator Fred Thompson and Senator Lamar Alexander. Her position afforded many opportunities for foreign and domestic travel. Bonnie’s keen interest and knowledge in government and political matters became a lifelong passion. She stayed current and connected to national and global issues her entire life.
Bonnie retired and returned home to Blairsville to “grow old with her sisters.” She found her niche at SANSO’s in Homer City making gift baskets with her infamous red satin bows. She loved art, political biographies, interior design, entertaining friends, and playing with Pixie, Poe, and Abbey. And Bonnie loved her sisters.
She is survived by her sisters, Geraldine Fossetta of The Villages, FL, Mary Lee Harris (Forrest) of Blairsville, and Lisa Sansonetti of Blairsville; nieces Tracy Kriklava (Joe) of Holbrook, NY, Tina Fossetta of Forest Hills, NY, and Nicolette Harris of Blairsville; great nephew Tyler Kieran of Holbrook, NY; great nieces Madison Kriklava and Isabelle Kriklava, both of Holbrook, NY; and very special nieces and nephew Pixie, Poe, and Abbey of Blairsville.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her nephews, Sid and Grey.
The family will receive friends on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM where a Wake service will be held at 7:30 PM Monday at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc., 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville. Prayers of Transfer will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday at 10:30 AM followed by a funeral Mass at 11 AM at SS Simon & Jude Roman Catholic Church Blairsville with Fr. Joseph Pham celebrant.
Interment will be in the SS Simon and Jude Cemetery, Blairsville.
Memorial contributions in Bonnie’s memory may be made to the Blairsville Volunteer Fire Department, 51 W. Campbell St., Blairsville, PA 15717 or the SS Simon & Jude Men’s Choir, 155 N. Brady St., Blairsville, PA 15717.
To view the online obituary, sign the guest registry or send condolences visit www.shoemakerfamilyservices.com.
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