MERRIMACK - Michele Houghton and Susan Bonitatibus found lasting friendship through their shared passion for animals. The two first met 13 years ago when Houghton, of New Boston, was teaching dog obedience classes in Goffstown. At the time, Bonitatibus was an assistant there. "She was a true dog person and a good friend," Houghton said. Indeed, neighbors nearest to Bonitatibus' most recent home near Wildcat Falls in Merrimack often saw her walking with an 11-year-old whippet named Shazam. Shazam is now in Houghton's care, as Bonitatibus drowned in the falls Tuesday afternoon July 29,2008. She went to cool off with her friend and housemate, but got caught in the swift current and never resurfaced. Jean MacKenzie, of Northwood, Bonitatibus' friend of 20 years, said Thursday she was "basically still in shock" about the incident. "I was so surprised at what happened because she was a strong woman," MacKenzie said, adding that just a couple of weeks ago, Bonitatibus rode 30 or 40 miles on her bicycle. "I really was truly shocked and saddened. She'll be missed." Houghton, who has a kennel and runs Greyhound Placement Service, said Bonitatibus volunteered for her organization and often oversaw the kennel if Houghton was away. MacKenzie, herself a dog breeder, said Bonitatibus handled whippets at dog shows and was taking one of MacKenzie's dogs to agility classes. "One of the things Sue loved and did best is take all the puppies and socialize them," MacKenzie said. "She'd bring them to meet people, to Petco, things like that. (The dogs) enjoyed her quite a bit. They were a main part of her life." The friends traveled out of state together to dog shows and different events. "She really enjoyed the camaraderie of all the people that she'd meet at the shows," MacKenzie said. "She was fun to be with." Outside of dogs, Bonitatibus was athletic, her friends said. "She was really a very active person," Houghton said. "She ran. She loved to bike. She loved to hike with her dog." MacKenzie said Bonitatibus could be counted on in a pinch, and liked to laugh. She'd often send e-mails with a "sharp, sort of biting sense of humor." Houghton said Bonitatibus worked at several different places while she knew her. Her most recent job was at Tractor Supply Co. in Merrimack, where Bonitatibus was described this week by her manager, Mark Fegley, as "always upbeat" and "a true pleasure" to have around. Bonitatibus lived in Merrimack for less than a year on Edward Lane. Houghton said she rented an apartment there. "It was perfect for her," Houghton said. "She was happy there."
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Susan Maxine Bonitatibus 1960 - c. 2008
Susan Maxine Bonitatibus of Merrimack, Hillsborough County, NH was born on April 14, 1960, and died at age 48 years old on July 29, 2008 at Wild cat Falls in Merrimack.
Susan Maxine Bonitatibus
Merrimack, Hillsborough County, NH 03054
April 14, 1960
July 29, 2008
Wild cat Falls in Merrimack, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, United States
Female
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Susan Maxine Bonitatibus' History: 1960 - circa 2008
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04/141960April 14, 1960BirthdateUnknownBirthplaceADVERTISEMENT BY
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High School / College
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Crystal grower/Inspector; Greyhound Placement Service NH Kennel assistant
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Greyhound Placement Service NH
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07/292008July 29, 2008Death dateWild cat Falls in Merrimack, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire United StatesDrowningCause of deathDeath locationADVERTISEMENT BY
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Sue was a wonderful woman who enjoyed her dogs, biking, running and she made/baked fantastic bread. She was cared about by many and had a smile that would light up a room! She enjoyed reading, was concerned about the environment and loved frogs and greyhounds...but not in that order! She was a treasured friend and is remembered in the wonderful memories of time spent with her. She has passed but will never be forgotten by those that knew and loved her.ADVERTISEMENT BYLooking for more information?
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Susan Bonitatibus' Family Tree & Friends
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Other Biographies
Other Bonitatibus Family Biographies
Bonitatibus, Anna (Apr 27, 1899 - Feb 1979)
Bonitatibus, Carmela (Jan 9, 1897 - Sep 1982)
Bonitatibus, Donato (May 5, 1893 - Dec 1969)
Bonitatibus, John (Aug 12, 1905 - Feb 23, 2006)
Bonitatibus, Anna (Apr 8, 1921 - May 10, 2006)
Bonitatibus, Mary (Jul 28, 1924 - Sep 5, 2004)
Bonitatibus, David (Jul 5, 1952 - Jul 15, 1997)
Bonitatibus, Manuel (Apr 14, 1926 - Jul 7, 2010)
Bonitatibus, Stella (May 25, 1928 - Oct 11, 2000)
Bonitatibus, John (Dec 29, 1934 - Jan 19, 2000)
Bonitatibus, Pasquale (Mar 29, 1895 - May 1978)
Bonitatibus, Peter (Feb 6, 1920 - Aug 11, 2010)
Bonitatibus, Julia (Nov 7, 1905 - Jan 1992)
Bonitatibus, Leo (May 28, 1897 - Sep 1973)
Bonitatibus, Sioban (Aug 18, 1928 - Dec 10, 2010)
Bonitatibus, Anthony (Oct 12, 1913 - Jun 4, 1989)
Bonitatibus, Ernest (Nov 22, 1916 - Jun 24, 1996)
Bonitatibus, Susie (Feb 15, 1923 - Jun 17, 2007)
Bonitatibus, Janet (Nov 10, 1933 - May 1, 2010)
Bonitatibus, Nunzio (Mar 4, 1887 - Feb 1968)
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