Doris (Schales) Bongiardina

Doris (Schales) Bongiardina, age 85, of Stow, formerly of Harvard, passed away at home on Sunday, June 5, 2022, with her family by her side.  Doris was the loving wife of Joseph Bongiardina for 61 years.

Born in Bad Kreuznach, Germany on May 18, 1937, Doris was the daughter of the late Carl and Anneliese (Van Eick) Schales.  Raised and educated in Germany, Doris met Joe while he was serving in the US Army in Wurzburg, Germany.  They were married in 1960 and lived in Germany, New York, Indiana, Washington DC and Ottawa, Canada. They then settled in Harvard, MA for over 40 years with an interlude in Brussels, Belgium.  Doris made every home a warm and welcoming place for family and friends.  Travel with family and the “Gatsby Group” was a much enjoyed pleasure for many years and included visits to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK. 

In addition to travel, Doris’ greatest joys in life were centered on her family.  She was an accomplished seamstress, gardener and cook.  Doris delighted in sharing meals with family and friends as she blended the best of Germany, Italy and America.  In addition to her husband, Doris is survived by her children; Richard J. Bongiardina and his wife Jenn of Hudson; Christel Conlin and husband Stephen of Bolton, and Darice Myers and husband Walter of Branchville, NJ.  She is also survived by her sisters; Ursel Weyel of Germany, Elke Garrett of Michigan, as well as her six grandchildren; Nicholas, Alessandra, Kerry, Shawn, Allyson, and Katie.  In addition to her parents, Doris was sadly predeceased by her sister Christel and her son John, who passed away in 1964.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Doris for a period of visitation on Friday, June 10, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton.  A celebration of life will take place in the funeral home following the visitation on Saturday, June 11, from 3:00 p.m. until 3:30  p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Doris’ memory to:

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105

Follow this link to donate in Doris’ name:

bit.ly/3NFsoUZ