Bette Rae Bonder

On March 11 our beautiful through and through Bette expanded that portion of the universe which is now more perfect. Her mighty soul became free to spread even more goodness and light. Something has changed, but our boundless love for and hers for us has not. It never will. Bette’s most dear friend, Nami said it so well, “Bette made people feel they mattered.” Of course, that is what really counts. One might say all the rest is a mix of facts and commentary.

Dr Bette Bonder is survived by her husband, Patrick Bray, MD, her sons Aaron Bray (Lisa Gomersall), Jordan Bray (Rebecca Bray), her grandchildren, Owen and Mia Bray, her sister, Rena Waxman, and her brother, Dan Bonder (Joanne).

Dr. Bonder was recognized as one of 100 Influential Occupational Therapists during the profession’s 100-year anniversary and as a Distinguished Alumna of Washington University School of Occupational Therapy. She received a doctorate in Counselor Education from Northwestern University and worked as a licensed psychologist. She was on faculty at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Texas Women’s University, and Towson University. She finished her career as the Dean of the College of Science at Cleveland State University.

She published widely on aging, cultural competence, and mental health including writing three influential textbooks with multiple editions. Her volunteer activities emphasized supporting the needs of disadvantaged communities and increasing access to health care and health professional education for underrepresented groups.

From some of the many people she touched in her lifetime:

“Bette makes us all better. I’m definitely a better person for knowing her. Better mother, wife, human.”

“Yes, Bette, One Love. You are my Forever Angel.”

“My beautiful Bette, I’m carrying you home with me as everyone whose life you have ever touched will.”

“I would do most anything for Bette.”

“Thank you for loving me like your own and making such a difference in my life. I hope whatever awaits us permits our souls to overlap again.”

“Bette, you are my hero in every sense of the word.”

“Bette, I have always been struck by your warmth and generosity. Every conversation with you was enriching and impactful. The world is better off because of the gift of you.”

“I remember you sending me a card after Alan died. Very few people—maybe none—thought to do that. You have shaped my own north star in terms of how I want to be and for whom.”

“Your enduring conviction that the world could (and should) be a better place is an inspiration. The way you always made me feel part of the family really means a lot.”

“Bette challenged me to think differently and pursue my dreams; I will be forever grateful for her love, kindness, and support.”

“Bette, you have shown up for me through good and bad, but now that I am getting older, I can see that there was no bad. When you have nothing but love in your heart, it is all good. I love you, Bette.”

Her relatives could add many volumes. The weekend before she passed, she was visited by family from Los Angeles, Oakland, Seattle, Canada, Chicago, and Baltimore. Who can attract that wide cast of devotees?

Our beautiful Bette, through and through.

Funeral services will be held at the Wade Chapel at Lake View Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH on Friday, March 13th at 9:30am. Please meet at the Mayfield Road gate.

Donations made in Bette’s memory can be made to any organization that promotes the areas in her volunteer activities.

Arrangements were made under the supervision of Berkowitz Kumin Bookatz Memorial Chapel.