STURBRIDGE: Carol E. (Hoyer) Bonja, 87, of McGregory Road, passed away peacefully at home Friday, February 23, 2024. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 65 years, Robert (Bob) Bonja. Carol is survived by her daughter, Laurie Bonja, of Skillman NJ, and her son, Jeffrey, and his wife, Deb Bonja, of Sturbridge, her two grandchildren, Ryan Patrick Bonja and Caitlin Jordan Bonja, and her partner, Riley Thibert, as well as her cherished great granddaughter, Autumn Mae Thibert.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, to Albert and Jennie Hoyer, Carol made Sturbridge her home for the past two decades. After raising her family, Carol worked as an administrative assistant and editor for a faculty newspaper at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Together with Bob, she also managed a successful landscaping business in New Jersey for over 25 years.
Carol enjoyed traveling and experienced various places with both family and friends. She spent many winter vacations at The Balsams in New Hampshire skiing and enjoying time with her family and grandchildren. Carol enjoyed cooking, especially during the holidays, where loved ones often sat together telling stories and laughing far after the meals ended. She also cherished her friendships, especially those she and Bob made when they moved to Sturbridge.
Carol and Bob were avid Rutgers football fans. As season ticket holders for many years they enjoyed their time tailgating with their fellow supporters. After many years of driving older cars, Bob surprised her with a sleek black Thunderbird with a red interior, always a Rutgers fan! She lovingly drove that car both in New Jersey and Massachusetts.
She was a member of St. Anne’s, St. Patrick Church in Fiskdale.
In honoring her wishes, private services will be held. Those wishing to pay tribute may consider making memorial contributions to Compasses Living Foundation or a local Hospice of their choice.
An online guestbook and video tribute can be found at www.BelangerFuneralHome.com.
The arrangements are entrusted to Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home on Marcy St., where Carol's memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.