WAYLAND: Doris Hamel Bonney, 96, passed away on October 13, 2009. She was born on November 17, 1912 in Warren, MA the daughter of the late Herbert A. and Victoria D. Hamel and the sister of the late Herbert F. Hamel. She was married for 55 years to the late George P. Bonney and is survived by her daughter Linda H. Bonney of Wayland and 3 “grand pups”.
A trailblazer in her time, music has always been part of Doris’ life. Growing up she played the organ at her church, the piano for school events and for the silent movies. She also acted with the Brookfield Community Players. After high school Doris moved to New York City. She worked for the Universal Production Company which put on plays for Rotary and Lions clubs traveling from Connecticut to Maine casting and directing these plays. In 1936, Doris relocated to Boston and worked as a secretary to several businesses the last being Polaroid Corp.
After her marriage, she started her career as a piano teacher which spanned 64 years. Doris taught from her home in Brookline as an assistant teacher to Heinrich Gebhardt, a noted performer, composer and teacher in the Boston area. In the mid 1950’s, she took part in a program run by the Sudbury and Wayland schools. Doris offered private lessons in several of the grammar schools. She loved Wayland and in 1958 moved her family and her teaching studio to her home of 51 years.
Doris had many interests including reading and gardening. She was a member of the St. Anselm’s Bowling League and after taking up golf at age 70, a member of the Millwood Thursday Morning Ladies Golf League. In 2002 she had a stroke which changed her life style but not her ability to make new friends of all ages. She continued to attend plays and movies, dine out with friends and spend her summers in Maine. She also spent many hours rooting her dogs on as they trained and competed in Rally Obedience.
She is remembered as an independent spirit who embraced life with passion and enthusiasm. Doris was loyal to those she loved and a joy to all who experienced her generosity of spirit. She had an infectious smile which lit up the room. Doris leaves us with wonderful memories and a legacy of gathering people into her family.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 2:00 pm at the Christ Lutheran Church, 113 Union Street, Natick. A reception at the church will follow the service. Interment will be private at Mt. Auburn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests gifts in her memory to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701 or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements were entrusted to the care of the John. C. Bryant Funeral Home of Wayland (www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com).