Joan Graham Bonine, accomplished gardener

Joan Graham Bonine, 85, of Rehoboth Beach, and formerly of Seaford, passed away Monday, March 2, 2015, at Silver Lake Center, Dover. She was born Sept. 16, 1929, in Evanston, Ill., daughter of the late Leila and Ralph Graham.

Joan was a 1949 graduate of Ambler High School. In 1952, she graduated from Bucknell University where she received her bachelor of science degree in education. She was also a member of Alpha Phi Sorority.

Joan was a highly awarded flower arranger, Master Garden Club judge and avid gardener. Her skills and expertise were recognized in leadership roles with the National Federation of Garden Clubs. She also took pride in her work with the Delaware State Garden Clubs where she held many offices, including president. Her flower show master judging and unique arrangement ability brought her much pleasure and pride in her time with the National Garden Club, Delaware Garden Club, Seaford Garden Club and the Sussex Gardeners.

Joan also actively participated in the Delaware Parliamentarians Association and enjoyed her time and work with that organization. Joan and her husband Bill were proud members of Mt. Olivet Methodist Church in Seaford and then Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach. Joan was also accomplished with needlepoint work and created many treasured family keepsakes.

In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, William J. Bonine in 2009. She is survived by a daughter, Linda Rogers and her husband Steve of Wyoming; a son, Steven Bonine and his wife Eileen of Thornton, Pa.; seven grandchildren: Brian Rogers and his wife Kellie, Heather Boyle and her husband Patrick, Alex Bonine, Nicole Bonine, Hannah Bonine, Alyssa and Amy Konsza; and two great-grandchildren: Caden Rogers and Paxton Boyle.

All services will be private with interment held at Glenwood Memorial Gardens, Broomall, Pa. All Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Delaware Federation of Garden Clubs, 630 Pepperbush Court, Wilmington, DE 19808, or Sussex Gardeners, 13 White Oak Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

Please visit Joan’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.