Bonita M. Dundas, 75, a resident of Chandler Way in Bennington, VT died unexpectedly Saturday, February 6, 2021 at her residence.

Bonnie was born in Lancaster, New Hampshire September 7, 1945. She was the daughter of the late Norman and Eleanor (Pearson) Craggy.

Bonnie grew up in Groveton, New Hampshire on her family's dairy farm, which she always thought of as her "home." She graduated from Groveton High School, and then attended the Elliot Community Hospital School of Nursing in Keene, NH where she received her degree as a Registered Nurse.

She married Richard Dundas in 1967. They started their family of two children, Julie and Scott, while moving several times during Richard's medical training.

In her early career, Bonnie worked as an RN at Boston Children's Hospital. After moving to Vermont with her family in 1974, Bonnie worked the front desk at her husband's medical practice, Bennington Associates in Internal Medicine. She then volunteered at Pine Cobble School in Williamstown, MA where her children were students, and eventually was hired as the school's librarian. In more recent years, she was the beloved children's librarian at the John G McCullough Library in North Bennington, and volunteered at several local schools reading with children. Bonnie had a lifelong passion for reading, and had a natural gift for teaching children to read.

Bonnie served on the Southshire School Board, the 204 Depot Residential Board and the local Chapter of the National Audubon Society. She volunteered at the Bennington County Victims Advocacy Center, and was an integral part of the founding of the Bennington Free Clinic, along with her husband and daughter. Bonnie cared deeply about women's healthcare & rights. She was especially thrilled to see the inauguration of Kamala Harris this year.

Bonnie had a love of nature and for ten years had written a monthly column for the Vermont News Guide entitled "Nature Notes." She was an avid birder and could often be found outside gardening, strolling in the woods & caring for her beloved chickens - all named after her many Aunts. Bonnie made countless charitable donations towards the preservation of nature and found great pride in being a New Englander.

Bonnie loved to be surrounded by her family and spent her lifetime hosting family dinners, as she dearly loved to cook, especially her famous "family secret" Pesto recipe. Additionally, she hosted every holiday gathering, always taking great pride in creating a warm atmosphere with decorations and lots of delicious food.

Survivors include her husband, Richard Dundas, MD of Bennington. A son, Scott Dundas of Pownal, VT and a daughter, Julie Bowen of Bennington. Two grandchildren, Alysha Bowen of Philadelphia, PA and Conor Bowen of Pittsfield, MA. Two sisters, Karen Breault and her husband Lester of Berlin, VT and Marilyn Murdoch and her husband Bill of Concord, NH and a brother, George Craggy of Stark, New Hampshire. Many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She will be dearly missed by the greater Bennington community.

Due to the Covid restrictions there will be no services at this time.

A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.

If friends desire, contributions in memory of Bonita M. Dundas may be made to Heifer International through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home 628 Main St., Bennington, VT 05201. Guest book condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net