Bonnie Fisher, Ph.D., P’14
(1948 – 2025)

Bonnie Fisher passed away on July 28, 2025. Fisher was the director of counseling services at Washington for 40 years and a much-loved member of the College and Kent County communities. 

At Washington, Fisher was a dedicated counselor and advocate for students, making a profound difference in countless lives. She deeply valued her association with the College and working alongside many colleagues to support its mission of helping students discover their purpose and passion.

“You couldn't easily find a more principled, compassionate, and trustworthy person than Bonnie Fisher,” said Lauren Littlefield ’91, the Carol C. Culp Professor of Psychology, who first met Fisher when she was a student and again when Littlefield returned to teach at the College. “Before the turn of the century, there was so much stigma placed on seeking emotional support, but Bonnie always looked for ways to make Counseling Services approachable. She was also a tireless advocate for Washington College students, maintaining discretion while doing whatever she could to support them.”

Outside of her work at the College, Fisher also provided counseling care for service members at Dover Air Force Base. Dedicated to improving the mental health of others, even in retirement, she continued to offer online counseling. Fisher was also an accomplished musician, playing the bassoon and contra-bassoon for the Newark (Delaware) Symphony Orchestra for many years.

She is survived by her husband, Ed, who also served as a counselor at the College, as well as their daughter Rachel, a 2014 graduate of Washington College. 

— Darrach Dolan