Caroline M. " Bonnie " Bresnahan, age 64, formerly of 11 Charles St. Pittsfield, died Wednesday evening, July 5th after a long illness.  She was born in Pittsfield, May 11, 1953, the eldest of the late John F.  Jr. and Carolyn A. Street Bresnahan.  She attended the former St. Charles Grammar School and was a 1971 graduate of the former St. Joseph's Central High School. Continuing her education, she was awarded her baccalaureate degree in education from the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1975 and her Masters in Reading from Westfield State University. Initially employed at the former Holyoke Catholic High School, she returned to Pittsfield and was appointed to teach at Pittsfield High School. Due to the  Proposition 2 lay offs,  she became employed in the Adams Cheshire School system and taught 7th grade Social Studies at Adams Memorial until her retirement, due to ill health in 2009. While there, she enjoyed her role as the advisor to the Student Council.

A thoroughbred Democrat, she was active in politics, both statewide and in Pittsfield, serving as the Ward 1 City Councilor for 3 terms. Throughout her teaching career, she served within the Massachusetts Teachers Association in various state and local capacities, including as president of the Adams Cheshire local as well as  a member of the MTA interviewing panel for electoral candidates.

A communicant of St. Joseph's Church, she previously served as a member of its parish council. Bonnie also served as a Eucharistic Minister at her former parish, St. Charles Borromeo. She enjoyed travelling to Poland, Ireland, England & Scotland as well as Florida and especially, cruising the Caribbean. A former member of the Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Committee , she loved  attending Red Sox games every year.  Bonnie brought the art of shopping, both electronic and in store, to Olympic levels.

She is survived by her sister, Susan Bresnahan Manzon and her husband, Gil Manzon of Medway, Ma. and their 2 children, Ben and Grace Manzon; her brother, John and Jane Bruce Bresnahan of Pittsfield and their family, Liam and Christina Geisert Bresnahan with their 2 boys, Callum and Ian, Meaghan and Brian Cooper, Patrick and Samantha Bresnahan, Norah and Bryan Beauregard along with their daughter Charlotte, Michael and Lindsay DiCicco and their 2 children, Toriano and Nica, Casey DiCicco and Courtney DiCicco.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother,  Robert A. Bresnahan, who died May 19, 2012.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to her North County friends, Marianne and Barbara, to the caring team of HospiceCare in the Berkshires as well as   the staff  at Hillcrest Commons.

SERVICES: Bresnahan, Caroline M., “ Bonnie” , age 64, died July 5th.  Calling hours at the DEVANNY-CONDRON FUNERAL HOME will be Sunday from 2 to 5 pm. The Celebration of her Life will continue Monday morning at 8:15 from the funeral home followed with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church with the Rev. Msgr. Michael A. Shershanovich, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery where she will rejoin her parents, Jack & Sue and brother, Bob.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the College of Our Lady of the Elms in care of the funeral home. 

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