Bonita Lorraine Peterson

Peterson, Bonita Lorraine

Bonita Lorraine Peterson, 71, of Groton, NY, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2015. Bonnie was born in 1944 in Norwich, CT, the only child of the late John and Helen Wozniak Popek. She is survived by her only child, John Matthew Peterson of Baltimore, MD; cousins in Connecticut and her beloved and loyal friend, Lorraine Cooper. Bonnie graduated second (salutatorian), class of '62, Bacon Academy in Colchester, CT. She received her B.S. Biology from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine in 1966. For over 40 years, from 1968 to 2009, Bonnie worked as a Laboratory Technologist at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University's School of Veterinary Medicine. Her extraordinary passion for animals was evident throughout many aspects of her life. From her dedication to her work and generous donations to the multitudes of wildlife charities, Bonnie was always concerned with the plight of animals. She made room for all kinds of animals in her heart and her home. She especially loved her cats, and continually adopted the strays who didn't have anywhere else to go. Bonnie enjoyed gardening, murder mysteries, Sudoku puzzles. On rare occasion, you could hear her play songs on the accordion. She will be fondly missed by her family, friends, and coworkers at the AHDC at Cornell. All her friends and family would like to offer their sincerest gratitude to the Cayuga Medical Center, Clare Bridge, Hospicare, and Beechtree for the kindness, compassion, and excellent care for Bonnie during her final chapter. In memory of Bonnie, kindly consider a donation to the Tompkins County SPCA or Hospicare. Calling hours 5-7pm Friday, June 26th, Services 11am, Saturday, June 27th at the Herson Wagner Funeral Home, 110 South Geneva in Ithaca. Burial in Linwood Cemetery, Colchester will take place at a later date.