Bonnie Portenier Klan

April 21, 1949 — March 30, 2024

Erie

Bonnie Portenier Klan, age 74, of Erie, PA passed away, March 30, 2024 from complications of MS. She was born in Erie on April 21, 1949, to the late Donald and Betty Portenier.

Bonnie graduated from Academy High School in 1967. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Edinboro State College (now PennWest Edinboro) in 1974. She found her calling as a teacher, first at the Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit, and then at Stairways Behavioral Health until retiring in 2012. Her passion was teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) and Life Skills to newly arrived immigrants.

She was known for her compassion for all, especially those in need. In February 2002, she was named Pennsylvania Adult Literacy Teacher of the Year.

Bonnie married her husband of 53 years, Joseph in 1971. Together they raised two children, Timothy (Holly) and Caitlin (Blake). She is also survived by one grandson Mark; a sister, Bootsie Barbour; sister-in-law, Carol Hillhouse; close nephew, Hank; Diane, a friend of Bonnie’s since childhood that communicated with Bonnie frequently, especially during her illness, and many other loving family members and friends.
Bonnie will forever be remembered for her positive outlook on life, a permanent smile on her face, love of all her animals, and enjoying a good cup of coffee.

The family would like to thank the staff at UPMC Hamot ER and 7 South staff for their care and compassion during Bonnie’s final days. Also, a special thanks to the staff at Sarah Reed Senior Living for six years of exceptional care and support given to Bonnie.

Private services were held. Arrangements entrusted to Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Service Inc. Wintergreen, 2532 Norcross Road, Erie.

Contributions may be made in memory of Bonnie to Because You Care, Inc., P.O. Box 54, McKean, PA 16426 or https://www.becauseyoucare.org/get-involved/donate.

Offer condolences at burtonquinnscott.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bonnie Portenier Klan, please visit our flower store.

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