Bonnie Jean Carr, 64, of Punta Gorda, unexpectedly passed away at home on Monday, April 24, 2017 due to postoperative complications from minor surgery. Bonnie was a vibrant, fun-loving, and most of all kind-hearted woman who’s charisma lit up any room she entered. Her zest for life was one of a kind, and she will be truly missed by all who knew her.

Bonnie was born February 24, 1953 in Chicago, Illinois and moved to Florida in 1976 from Homewood, Illinois. She earned her Bachelor degree in Education at Stetson University and a Masters degree in Aerospace Education at Middle Tennessee State. Bonnie was retired from Charlotte County Public Schools, where she worked for 35 years. She taught English and Aerospace Education at Charlotte High School for 22 years. She founded an Aviators Club at the high school for students with a passion for aviation.

After obtaining a media specialist certification she taught as an elementary school librarian at Neil Armstrong and Kingsway Elementary Schools. Bonnie compared her role as a librarian to that of an enrichment teacher and considered the library as the enrichment center for all the students in the school. After retirement, she became an active volunteer at Kingsway and East Elementary Schools and received the Volunteer of the Year award from both schools. Bonnie organized programs and reading clubs for the students that kept them excited about learning and engaged in school, thereby ensuring the students’ love of reading grew exponentially. She had a deeply rooted passion for keeping children enthusiastic about reading and had a positive impact on thousands of children over the course of her career, and continuing into retirement. Her contribution to education is immeasurable, and her passing leaves a void in the lives of many educators and students.

Bonnie was an accomplished pilot, having participated in a transatlantic crossing in a light twin-engine aircraft. She was taught to fly by her future husband Wayne in 1977 and earned her private pilot’s license. She went on to earn her Commercial Pilots license and Instrument, Single & Multi-Engine Flight Instructor ratings. She was a former vice-governor for the S.E. section of the Ninety-Nines, an International Organization of Women Pilots, and served as International Aerospace Chairman for the organization, which was founded by Amelia Earhart.   In addition, she served as a regional resource person for the National Air and Space Museum and was certified by NASA as a moon rock handler.

Bonnie combined her love for children, reading, and aviation by developing and promoting the 2016 Florida International Airshow “Earn Your Wings” program. The program allowed students to earn free tickets to the airshow by reading books about aviation. Bonnie traveled to all the elementary schools in Charlotte County to promote the program, and it was a huge success.

Of all her life’s experiences, none gave her more joy than her role as grandmother. Bonnie was blessed with three wonderful grandchildren, who loved nothing more than to crawl into her lap to listen to her read their favorite story. Bonnie excelled in this role, as she had in every other aspect of her life.

She is survived by her loving family: her husband of 39 years, Wayne A. Carr of Punta Gorda; son, Aaron E. Carr of Punta Gorda; daughter in law, Ashlee Carr of Punta Gorda; and three grandchildren Ayden (6), Addisyn (3), and Avalon (1). In addition, she will be deeply missed by her mother-in-law, Mildred, with whom she had a very special bond. Her extended family includes brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, and nephews, all of whom mourn her passing.

A celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held in the Fall. Educators and friends will have the opportunity to share experiences that made their relationship with Bonnie special. At the Celebration of Bonnie’s Life, her vast collection of teaching aids will be available for distribution to anyone who will use them to honor Bonnie by enriching a child’s education.

In lieu of flowers please donate a book in Bonnie’s honor to a local elementary school library, or read with a child.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family.

Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Punta Gorda Chapel.