Bonnie Marcine Wheatley

Bonnie Marcine Ross Wheatley passed peacefully on May 13, 2024, almost exactly four years after losing the love of her life, Russell William Wheatley, in May 2020. Bonnie Marcine was a force of nature and was, to her two daughters, “Mom the Bomb.” She is survived by those daughters, Jenny Wheatley Fletcher and Sherry Wheatley Strott, her son in law, Peter Strott, and granddaughter, Kelsey Strott, along with many other loving relatives and friends. Bonnie Marcine was born in Miami, Florida on October 10, 1934, to Bill and Bonnie Ross, pillars of the “Old Miami” community. She was a cheerleader at Miami Jackson High School, and was head over heals for her Russ, whom she dated in high school and then married, a relationship lasting almost 70 years. After seeing Russ through the University of Miami and raising her two girls, Bonnie Marcine went back to college, graduating summa cum laude from Florida Atlantic University and University of Miami, and receiving both a masters and doctorate in education from U of M. Both Bonnie Marcine and Russ were lifetime Hurricanes fans, and of course Miami Dolphins fans. They loved Miami and considered it their forever home. Bonnie Marcine pursued a long and illustrious career with the Dade County Public School System, first teaching, and then in administration. The highlight of her career was being Principal of Pinecrest Elementary for 11 years, and winning many national awards for top public school and best administrator. She was honored with an award in the White House Rose Garden by President George H. Bush. She was also honored on the Pinecrest Campus, with the Bonnie M. Wheatley

Media Center. Throughout her educational career, she touched and formed the lives of many students and staff, which was her dream. Her success in education led her to a promotion as a Regional Administrator for the Dade County Schools where she continued to strive for excellence in education. Longtime residents of the Pinecrest neighborhood, Bonnie Marcine and Russ retired in 2003 to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, a long time family vacation place, and home to her beloved brother, Richard (“Corky”) Ross and sister in law, Sue Ross. Bonnie Marcine and Russ enjoyed retirement in New Smyrna Beach with a fabulous community of friends and neighbors. She never relinquished her love for education and continued to support

scholarships, children, and causes within the community. Her life was rich and full, with much love all around. She will be sorely missed, but is happy to be reunited with Russ for eternity.

Tribute slideshow:

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/TLZTGCDTBLD7JYTY