Edna Bonfietti Gordon
Edna Bonfietti Gordon, born on December 30, 1926, passed away on July 14, 2024, in Sarasota, Florida. A woman of remarkable versatility and dedication, Edna’s career spanned various fields and locations. She was one of seven children born to an Italian and a Finish immigrant. Edna initially left her Connecticut home in her early twenties to work for both American and Pan Am Airlines in Washington DC and New York. After returning to Connecticut, she married Robert Gordon and trained as a legal secretary. Her career saw her working for private law firms, the State Attorney, and the University of Connecticut.
In 1977, Edna moved to Sarasota, where she pursued and completed training to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the age of 54, specializing in neonatal care. This new path in nursing profoundly impacted her life, leading her to volunteer on a Mercy Ship in the Dominican Republic and further medical missions in Uganda, Haiti, Nova Scotia, Panama, and India. One of the most significant experiences of her life was working alongside Mother Teresa in Calcutta at a children’s home.
Edna was deeply involved in her faith community, attending St. Boniface Episcopal Church and then St. Wilfred’s Episcopal Church in Sarasota. She was an active supporter and volunteer, particularly at the preschool at St. Wilfred’s. Her commitment to her community and her faith was evident in her dedication and service.
Apart from her professional and spiritual life, Edna had a passion for swimming. At the age of 60, she took up competitive swimming after being inspired by Sarasota master swimmers. She learned the competitive strokes and competed for the next thirty years, achieving numerous national rankings.
Edna also had a passion for music and sang in a group called the Chansonettes winning several national Sweet Adeline competitions in the 1960’s.
She is survived by a multitude of nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life service is planned to honor Edna’s rich and impactful life and information is forthcoming. Edna’s legacy of resilience, sharp wit, and friendliness will be remembered by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice or the Sarasota Humane Society.
