Eleonora “Lori” Bongiovanni, 82, of Dallas, TX, died October 11, 2017, in Wall Township, NJ, close to family, friends, and her beloved caregivers (collectively and lovingly referred to as “Team Omi”). Eleonora Kálnoky von Köröspatak was born in Brașov, Romania to a noble Transylvanian family. After leaving Europe following World War II, she immigrated to Washington D.C. where she met her husband, John Bongiovanni. She lived in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Texas before moving to Sea Girt, NJ, in 2016. Lori was a prolific artist, master gardener, and life student. She loved to travel with her husband and explored many of the world’s museums and treasures. Above all, she valued her faith and family. She was a devoted member of All Saints Catholic Church in Dallas, TX, and a proponent of social justice.
Painting was a great passion. Lori came into her own as an artist during her time in Tyler, TX. The first issue of the Diocese of Tyler newspaper, East Texas Catholic, featured one of her paintings on the cover. Her style has been described as charming and whimsical winning multiple awards and accolades throughout her career. Family, friends, and admirers proudly display her works in their homes.
She was predeceased by her husband John C. Bongiovanni in 2012. Surviving are her children; Andrea Parkhill and her husband Michael of Sea Girt, NJ, John Bongiovanni and his wife Gloria of Bear, DE, Mark Bongiovanni and his wife Ilona of Bormes-les-Mimosas, France, Ray Bongiovanni and his wife Nancy of Dallas, TX, Roger Bongiovanni and his wife Dee Ann of New York City, NY, 3 siblings; Farkas Kálnoky, Anthony Kálnoky, Ingeborg Després, 7 grandchildren; Nicolas, Michelle, Kimberly, Cassandra, Victor, Amanda, Kalina and one great grandchild; Valentina.
A Funeral Mass will be Monday, 9:30 AM at St. Denis Church, Manasquan. Committal will be private. Donations to the Audubon Society, https://action.audubon.org/donate/make-tribute-gift?ms=s_src-2015_AUDHP_topbanner_button-menu-.