Bonnie Christine Genovese

Bonnie Christine (Kieffaber) Genovese, 48, North Manchester, Indiana, died Wednesday, April 8, at the Visiting Nurse Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. She was born November 9, 1966 in Dixon, Illinois to Alan and Nancy (Royer) Kieffaber. Bonnie graduated from Willowbrook High School, Villa Park, Illinois, in 1984. She received a BA degree in elementary and special education from Manchester College in 1989. While at Manchester, she enjoyed singing in the A Cappella choir and working in hospitality, helping host and serve banquets and special events. Bonnie spent her career working with disabled people. She was a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional (QMRP) and worked at Vernon Manor Children's Home in Wabash, Indiana, for many years. She served as a case manager for several agencies, most recently IPMG (Indiana Professional Management Group). Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Mikayla Jo Genovese; father and stepmother, Alan and Marilyn Kieffaber; sister, Laurie Kieffaber Cornett (Willie Cornett), all of North Manchester; stepsister and stepbrother, Elizabeth Nelson of Brooklyn, New York, and Alan Nelson of Duvall, Washington; nieces, Molly and Violet Palmer, both of Brooklyn, New York; former husband Brian Genovese, of Indianapolis; many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins; and a host of friends. Bonnie was preceded in death by her mother, Nancy Kieffaber Eichelberger, and stepfather, John Eichelberger. Bonnie was an active member of the Wabash Church of the Brethren, Wabash, Indiana. Her many interests included music and drama, reading, traveling, and anything to do with Laura Ingalls Wilder. She participated in Wabash Community Theater, both as a performer and behind the scenes. Bonnie faced the diagnosis of ovarian cancer with courage and dignity, determined to live life fully. She devoted herself during the past several years to parenting her daughter, traveling when she could, and making counted cross stitch gifts for family and friends. She planned and enjoyed a trip to Disney World with daughter Mikayla and sister Laurie a few weeks before her death. A celebration of Bonnie's life is planned at Wabash Church of the Brethren, 645 Bond Street, Wabash, Indiana, Saturday, May 2, at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Kay Gaier will officiate. Family and friends may call one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to Wabash Church of the Brethren Youth Fund, 645 Bond Street, Wabash, IN, 46992, or to Mikayla Genovese Education Fund, c/o Alan Kieffaber, 605 Front Street, North Manchester, IN 46962. To send a private condolence to the Genovese family, use the condolence link on the homepage.