Bonnie Steene

Monica E. Steene, lovingly known as Bonnie, died at her home in Aiken, South Carolina, Monday, August 24, 2026. She was born on November 13, 1945, in Saratoga, New York.

Her education helped shape that calling. She attended Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, Florida, graduated from Venice High School in Venice, Florida, and went on to graduate from the Daytona Beach School of Nursing.

Bonnie was a totally selfless lady who devoted her personal and professional life to the care of others. A registered nurse, she worked in coronary care, critical care, and intensive care facilities, bringing skill, steadiness, and compassion to patients and families during some of life’s most difficult moments. She also served as a hospice nurse, and in retirement, served as a hospice volunteer, offering comfort and dignity in end-of-life care. She also worked as a public health nurse in Naples, Florida. Her life’s work reflected deep commitment to the service and well-being of those entrusted to her care.

Her commitment to helping others extended well beyond her profession. Bonnie was recognized with numerous awards in Vero Beach and Miami, including Irish American of the Year and the Outstanding Service Award for her tireless work with Literacy Services, tutoring adult literacy. She was also a long-term volunteer and mentor for Childcare Resources, reflecting the generosity, encouragement, and steady presence she offered to so many throughout her life. As an avid lifelong tennis player, she won several tennis tournaments in Naples FL, where she also worked part time at the World Tennis Center.

Bonnie is survived by her husband, Karl Steene, her partner in marriage for almost 57 years. She is also survived by her daughter, Erika J. Reid of Melbourne, FL; her grandson, Rainford Nikolai Reid of Miami, FL; and her sister, Christina Cartier of Naples, FL.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Christopher and Jeanne Burke Pfreundner and her brother Thomas Pfreundner.

A Mass will be held Tuesday morning, September 15th at 11 o'clock at Historic St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church on Park Avenue. Farewell prayers and commendation will follow in Southlawn Cemetery.

SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC