Janice Elaine Bonge, 91 years of age, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at her home in Kirkland Village.

Born on November 26, 1933, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Jan's profound gift and love for music led her to attend Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, where in 1953 she met her husband of 67 years, John Bonge, a then Princeton University student. Their meeting marked the beginning of a love story full of lifelong friendships, dedication to their family, faith and communities, and daily games of double solitaire that they both loved so much.

Her musical education became the foundation for a life of meaningful service as well. Janice served as a church organist for multiple congregations over the years bringing beauty, reverence, and inspiration through worship. Her talent and dedication eventually led her to the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, where she first joined as the choir's organist and later served with distinction as its President, contributing significantly to the choir's growth and legacy. The relationships she fostered through the common joy of music were dear treasures that filled her heart.

Jan's warmth, gentle presence, and genuine curiosity for the world and all those in it brought entertainment, comfort and joy to all who knew her. Whether through a volley of conversation over coffee in her living room, a shared song at the piano, or simply her steady presence at family events like sports competitions, band performances or dance recitals, she brought so much style and grace to every interaction.

She is lovingly remembered by her sister, Virginia, her sons, Stephen Bonge and his wife Maggie, and Gregory Bonge and his wife Meg: her grandchildren, Dylan, Jack, Daniel, Krista, CJ and Cathleen; and her great granddaughter, Stella. Her family was the heart of her world, and her legacy lives on in each of them.

A public memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, July 27, in the First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, 2344 Center Street, Bethlehem, to honor Janice's life. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in Janice's name to The Bach Choir of Bethlehem.  Janice's services have been entrusted to the Pearson Funeral Home, Bethlehem.  www.pearsonfh.com