Diva T. Bonaldi

Bonaldi, Diva (nee Suffredini), passed away surrounded by family on September 17, 2020, age 86. Beloved wife of Ezio for 62 years. Loving mother of Roseanne (Tim) Poley, Donna (John) Swan and Edward (Agnes) Bonaldi. Proud grandmother of Tim Jr. (Bridget), Chris (Emily), Mike (Laura) Poley, Robert (Brenda), Jessica (Jeffrey) Walla, Nicholas Swan, Angelo (Stacey), Justin (Nichole), Samantha (Alex) Nechifor. Great grandmother of 11. Sister of Giula, Renzo and Rolando (Violet) Suffredini and the late Eleanora, Mary, Renato, Erina and Anna. Diva was a proud member of the Lucchesi Nel Mondo Society, San Franceso Orphans Club, IACS and Amit Club.

In Provinicia Di Luca there is a small town called Castelnuovo Di Garfagna. In this small town on August, 6, 1934 Diva "Nini Suffredini" Bonaldi was born. She was born to a large Italian family of 3 brothers and 5 sister. In 1950 after WWII her and her two brothers sailed the Atlantic Ocean for a better life in the U.S. 

There was a woman named Geltrude who owned a business called "Bonaldi's." Geltrude had a son named Ezio Bonaldi who just came back from being a military policeman in New Jersey. Geltrude decided to play match maker after Diva came into the store so many times looking at Ezio working on his car. Geltrude suggested Ezio drive Diva home.  Diva remembered Ezio from before he went to the army because they happened to be at the same movie theater. Seeing Ezio with a different women, Diva threw popcorn at him. So she agreed to let him take her home even though she thought he was greasy and skinny. They spoke about how his mother was sending him letters from the army of a beautiful, kind customer that he had to meet that just worked across the street at the market. Less than a year later in 1958 they got married, started a family of three children, took over the business, had 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren who were her absolute everything. They'd travel hand in hand to Italy for business and a cruise and even Hawaii. They'd throw the largest gatherings for Halloween and New Years as well as just to get family and friends together. She was a devout Catholic women who never missed a Sunday morning at church. After church she enjoyed her bowling and bocce league, playing cards and of course dancing. A melody would fill the room and her body would move to the beat! Diva was proud of her heritage, being a member of the Lucchesi Nei Mondo, Orphans, and AMIT clubs but mostly her family. Diva would never skip a Sunday preparing her outstanding food that included her famous lasagna for her children, grand kids and great grand kids. Asking anyone who had the opportunity to meet her has said she was the kindest, most caring and loving women who would do anything for anyone. She will be greatly missed by every life she touched. Including her daily phone calls to her children saying, "what!? You can't call your mother!?" or the ever popular "your sister hasn't called in a few days!"                                           


Visitation at the Sterling Heights Chapel of the Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Home, 13650 East 15 Mile Road, Tuesday, September 22, 2020 from 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Rosary. Funeral Mass, Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at San Francesco Church, 22870 South Nunneley Road, Clinton Township, MI 48035, Mass at 10:30 AM. Private burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are appreciated by the family to the Capuchins and the San Francesco Orphans Club.

Due to the current health conditions facial masks must be worn and proper social distancing will be required.