Bernard O. Bonsra

My Husband, My Life, Bernard O. Bonsra, 67 of Worcester, formerly of Ghana, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 15, 2015 at Mass General Hospital in Boston surrounded by his loving wife of 41 years, Lillian M. (Rutherford) Bonsra. Bernard was born in Ghana, West Africa, a son of the late Charles Bonsra and Victoria Nortey. He graduated from high school in Ghana and came to Worcester in 1973 where he met his wife. They married in 1975. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Masters of Business Administration Finance from Clark University majoring in accounting and general business. Bernard worked as a financial analyst for Chase Paper for many years before he retired. He previously worked for Fleet Bank as a specialist, Center for Living and Working Inc. as a staff accountant and consumer liaison, University of Massachusetts Medical School as a health and employability coordinator and Prudential Insurance. Bernard served on the Board of Directors for Silk, the Center for Living and Working and also for Handicap Affairs. He was also a devoted member of the Billie Brimm National Prayer Group. Bernard loved to helping people and educating others who had questions about immigration and taxes. Bernard fostered many children over the years through World Vision and Feeding Program. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing the bass guitar. Bernard leaves behind his wife Lillian; his son, Anthony Rutherford of Kentucky; two brothers, Forson Bonsra and Eric Dodoo and two sisters, Gifty Quartey and Suanna Ofori Attah all of Ontario, Canada; three grandchildren, Ariana, Tyrell, twins, Jordan and Jayden; one great grandchild, Arion; many nieces and nephews. His funeral service will be held on Friday, April 29, 2016 at 11 a.m. in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Burial will follow at All Faith’s Cemetery, Worcester. A period of calling hours will be on Thursday, April 28th from 4-7 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you kindly consider memorial contributions be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105 or Shriners Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438. To share your thoughts and memories of Bernard, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.