Bonnie Kiermaier, age 83, has died of an unexpected heart attack. She died at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Virginia Beach, Virginia on 9 December. She leaves behind her sister Cindy Watkins Smith who lives in Leeds England as well as many close friends.

Bonnie was a very active member of Old Donation Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach and was active in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia for decades. She had served as administrator to three bishops (Vache’, Vest, and Bane). Bonnie was well known for her liturgical art, producing vestments for clergy and jewelry, including prayer beads, for all people. At Old Donation, Bonnie led workshops on prayer and was one of the mentors for our Sacred Ground circles. She had previously been active in three other Episcopal churches in the Diocese. She was passionate about Christ and the Church and always highly involved. She was an active member of the local chapter of American Sewing Guild as well as the book group Faith in Fiction at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

There will be a celebration of thanksgiving to God for her life at Old Donation on Thursday, 18 January at 10:30am. A reception will follow in Tucker Hall.

If you wish to get in contact with her sister, she can be reached at cindy.watkins.smith@gmail.com

“May Bonnie’s soul and the souls of all the departed,

through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 

Into paradise may the angels lead you. At your coming may the martyrs receive you, and bring you into the holy city Jerusalem.” 

BCP 500