Bonita "Bonnie" Mary Borsa

Bonita “Bonnie” Mary Borsa, age 71, of Frederick, died Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Kline Hospice House. Born June 16, 1952 in Paulding, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Richard Smith and Margery Ann Smith, née Hanenkratt. She was the wife of William J. Borsa, her husband of 37 years. 

Bonnie graduated Class of 1970 at Paulding High School, before earning her B.A. and M.A. in Zoology from Miami University of Ohio (’74, ’78), and her Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the Medical College of Virginia (’83). Bonnie then moved to Frederick, where she worked as a research scientist at the National Cancer Institute and taught as an Assistant Professor of Biology at Hood College. Bonnie served two four-year terms (’02-’10) on the Frederick County Board of Education. An avid birder, Bonnie was a proud member and former President of the Frederick Bird Club and Maryland Ornithological Society.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her two sons, Alexander Borsa, and Andrew Borsa and wife Hillary Borsa; and grandson, Jack Borsa. 

Her friends and family will forever remember Bonnie as a fiercely intelligent scientist and educator who was deeply devoted to her loved ones, and who brightened every room with her kindness, wit, and vitality. She will truly be missed. 

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 24 at Stauffer Funeral Home,1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, with a celebration of life service to begin at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bonnie’s name to the Audubon Society of Central Maryland. <www.centralmdaudubon.org/donate.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.