Jacqueline C. Bonavita

Jacqueline C. Bonavita "Jackie", beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the age of 88. Born on May 12, 1937, in Cincinnati.

Jackie was an active member and long time parishioner of St. Dominic Church.

Jackie devotedly nurtured her family, being a loving mother to her children, Mark Bonavita, Debbie (Kevin) Burkhart, and Don (Angie) Bonavita. She took immense pride in her role as grandmother to Dominic (Leah), Gabriel, Joseph, Christian, Alec (Katie), Katie (Jim), Sarah (Nick), Andrew (Katherine), and Josh (Sarah). Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Frankie, Ivy Rose, Bo, Bella, Maddie, Grace, Raegan, Decker, Larkin, Miller, Calvin, and Luca. In addition to her immediate family, Jackie held a cherished position as an aunt to many nieces and nephews and was a devoted sister-in-law to Mary Jo Sheppard and the late Lee Reece, Angelo and Frank Bonavita.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Frank and Emma Sheppard, her step-mother Pearl Sheppard, her adoring husband, Dominic Bonavita, with whom she shared 67 years of marriage, her grandson Vincent, and her brother Frank Sheppard. Each of these relationships defined her life and contributed to her warm, caring spirit.

Visitation will be held on December 29, 2025, at Vitt, Stermer & Anderson Funeral Home in Cincinnati from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM. A Mass celebrating her life will follow at St. Dominic Church at 11:00 AM. Jacqueline will be laid to rest during an interment service at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Association, starting at 12:15 PM.

Memorials may be made to Elder High School Scholarship, St. Dominic Education Fund or the American Cancer Society.

The essence of Jackie's character was rooted in her love for her family and her unwavering spirit. She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.