Mary Hale Bonnette, 90, passed away peacefully with grace at home on Friday, November 7, 2025, in Stamford, Connecticut, after spending the day with her family and loved ones. She was born on January 14, 1935 to Gertrude (Patton) and Harold Winslow Hale in New Rochelle, New York. She attended New Rochelle High School, was a graduate of Skidmore College in 1957, and remained an active fundraiser for her college alma mater.
Mary raised her children in Bronxville, New York, where she lived for over 30 years. Her love for singing and helping others led her to The Song Pipers, a non-profit musical therapy ensemble, where she was a member and performed for many years. She met several of her life-long friends through this wonderful group of ladies. Mary returned to work in 1979, joining Jones, Lang, Wootton in New York City, where she was held in high regard as an Executive Assistant to the Managing Partners. In 1997, Mary moved to Dolphin Cove in Stamford, CT, making wonderful friends in this quaint community and hosting memorable gatherings. Mary could always be found in the garden, where she had a passion for creating and maintaining magnificent plantings both inside and outside her home. She was also an avid reader, and had a fascination with the history of England and the Royal Family. She kept her mind sharp by scrupulously completing the New York Times crossword puzzles in ink. Mary loved the beach, and her happy place was at Shenorock Shore Club in Rye, New York. She was a consummate volunteer with their swim team and tennis programs while her children were growing up, and was one of the longest members of the club for over 50 years.
Mary was best known for her compassionate demeanor and ability to connect with people of all ages. She was the mom with whom her children's friends would feel comfortable, always lending a listening ear. She had a knack for creating endearing nicknames for those most precious to her. A holiday would not be complete without Mary's legendary sour cream coffee cake, which she baked with love for her friends and family. Her children and grandchildren carry on the coffee cake tradition to this day. Mary exemplified strength, worked tirelessly to overcome adversity, and taught her children the importance of resiliency. She loved her children and grandchildren "to bits" and was extremely proud of them.
Mary is survived by her children, Elizabeth Purvis and husband Dan, Jennifer Bonnette, David Bonnette; daughter-in-law, Zoe Bonnette, and soulmate, Herbert Briggs. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Megan, Sean and Alison Purvis; Hugh, Willa and Daisy Bonnette; sister, Nancy Baldwin; sister-in-law, Maria Hale, and her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, Richard David Bonnette, Jr., in 1965, and her brother, Richard Winslow Hale. In addition, our family is very grateful for our mom's caretakers, who provided her with compassion and loving care.
A celebration of life will be held privately with family at a later date.
Mary raised her children in Bronxville, New York, where she lived for over 30 years. Her love for singing and helping others led her to The Song Pipers, a non-profit musical therapy ensemble, where she was a member and performed for many years. She met several of her life-long friends through this wonderful group of ladies. Mary returned to work in 1979, joining Jones, Lang, Wootton in New York City, where she was held in high regard as an Executive Assistant to the Managing Partners. In 1997, Mary moved to Dolphin Cove in Stamford, CT, making wonderful friends in this quaint community and hosting memorable gatherings. Mary could always be found in the garden, where she had a passion for creating and maintaining magnificent plantings both inside and outside her home. She was also an avid reader, and had a fascination with the history of England and the Royal Family. She kept her mind sharp by scrupulously completing the New York Times crossword puzzles in ink. Mary loved the beach, and her happy place was at Shenorock Shore Club in Rye, New York. She was a consummate volunteer with their swim team and tennis programs while her children were growing up, and was one of the longest members of the club for over 50 years.
Mary was best known for her compassionate demeanor and ability to connect with people of all ages. She was the mom with whom her children's friends would feel comfortable, always lending a listening ear. She had a knack for creating endearing nicknames for those most precious to her. A holiday would not be complete without Mary's legendary sour cream coffee cake, which she baked with love for her friends and family. Her children and grandchildren carry on the coffee cake tradition to this day. Mary exemplified strength, worked tirelessly to overcome adversity, and taught her children the importance of resiliency. She loved her children and grandchildren "to bits" and was extremely proud of them.
Mary is survived by her children, Elizabeth Purvis and husband Dan, Jennifer Bonnette, David Bonnette; daughter-in-law, Zoe Bonnette, and soulmate, Herbert Briggs. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Megan, Sean and Alison Purvis; Hugh, Willa and Daisy Bonnette; sister, Nancy Baldwin; sister-in-law, Maria Hale, and her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, Richard David Bonnette, Jr., in 1965, and her brother, Richard Winslow Hale. In addition, our family is very grateful for our mom's caretakers, who provided her with compassion and loving care.
A celebration of life will be held privately with family at a later date.
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