The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) joins the occupational therapy community in mourning the loss of Bette Bonder, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, who passed away on March 11, 2026, at the age of 77. Bonder was a distinguished professor and occupational therapy researcher whose contributions shaped the field of occupational therapy and inspired generations of practitioners.

Throughout her career, Bonder played a pivotal role in preventing occupational dysfunction for older adults and promoting cultural competency training to reduce health disparities. She published extensively in these research areas, co-authoring more than 45 papers and chapters and writing three textbooks with multiple editions.

As a research leader and advocate, she achieved numerous accolades, including being named as one of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) 100 Most Influential People for her contributions to the profession and as a Distinguished Alumna of Washington University School of Occupational Therapy.

From 1998-2000, Bonder served as editor of OTJR: The Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, a leading occupational therapy research journal dedicated to advancing scientific inquiry in the profession. As Timothy Wolf, current OTJR editor-in-chief said, "Bette [Bonder] was an extremely engaged scholar with the journal for many years.  She has been on the review board and consistently completed the most reviews for us every year." 

In addition to her involvement with OTJR, Bonder dedicated her time and passion to volunteer leadership positions on both AOTF’s Scientific Advisory Council and two terms on the Board of Trustees (2007-2010) (2016-2018).  As the inaugural 2017 Planning Grant Collective on Mental Health planning committee chair, Bonder was integral to shaping the foundation and structure of this event that continues to unite interdisciplinary experts biennially to discuss pressing research topics. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Bonder will be remembered for her commitment to giving back, particularly through supporting the needs of disadvantaged communities and increasing access to health care and health professional education for underrepresented groups.

The AOTF extends our deepest condolences to Bonder’s family, colleagues, and all who were touched by her remarkable life and work.

For more information, please refer to the official obituary published by Dignity Memorial: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/cleveland-heights-oh/bette-bonder-12778478