Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Memories of Bonnie
Anyone who knew Bonnie would remember her humor. From the time she dated my brother throughout even tough times, she would have a natural inclination to crack a one-liner. When we talked on the phone, her recollection of a humorous moment shared with my sister, Dolores, would bubble up. She could find some way in the most mundane conversation to make me smile.
In college, we decided to go skating at the outdoor rink in Utica. She surprised me when she said she didn’t know how to ice skate. After all, she was raised in Munnsville, New York – cold and snowy. She really had us cracking up as she struggled on the ice with a sense of indignation. I will never forget, before she had children, playing the newly-wed game with her, Ronnie, Veda, Richie, Bob and me in Long Island. They made a comedy duo; Ronnie the straight man and Bonnie the jokester.
Bonnie had her opinions that differed from mine but we could talk about most anything. She was not only a person who shared, but also a person who listened. I could always count on empathy when I felt overwhelmed.
The joy of her life seemed to be her grandchildren and spoke of them often. She would get a youthful, lighthearted voice when she described some new event with them. Her only regret seemed to be the distance between them and her.
My favorite story, she shared, was when Michael decided he was going to fix Thanksgiving dinner for her. She had come to a time of simplicity in her life and all the fuss was almost overwhelming her, but you could tell how proud she was and pleased as she walked through every moment.
Bonnie leaves behind many moments of joy to those who loved her. She will always remain in my heart.
