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Bonita Williams Obituary
"Bonnie" Hathaway
Owego, NY: On July 6, with grace and dignity Bonnie let go her struggle and love of life to be at peace with loved ones gone before. Those who knew Bonnie will recall her up beat presence that would lighten any room with her good nature and sense of humor. Wherever she went, she left with new friends. Bonnie's roots are deep in this community (and in later years her Florida winter home). She is the eldest child of the late Clarence (Stub) and Katharine Hathaway. She graduated from Owego Free Academy in 1960 and subsequently attended Alfred State College. After finding employment with Eastman Kodak Company she met and married her devoted husband Jack Williams. They remained in the Rochester are until early retirement after which they moved to "the cottage" which held special childhood memories. She was fond of hosting gatherings there to share the tranquil setting and when alone to sit and read, feed the birds or stroll around the ponds with her little dog, Feather. Bonnie was a kind and gentle soul and although soft spoken had a presence not to be ignored. Her gentleness belied her strength to battle a long difficult illness, as she smiled through it all. Bonita; your story of family, friendship and courage is an honorable and inspirational legacy - you will be missed terribly: farewell.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Jack; sisters, Sukie (Glenn) Ladd, and Carol Rimmey; brothers, Bill (Kelly) Hathaway, and Philip (Peggy) Hathaway; sisters-in-law, Violet Kelley, Norma Williams, Virginia Malo, Sylvia (Jack) Ippolito; brothers-in-law, Walter Williams, Norman (Robin) Williams; and a large extended family as well as many friends at her winter home in Port Charlotte, Florida.
Services will be for family members only. In remembrance of Bonnie take a friend to lunch.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bonita Williams
Anne Schaffer Hamlin
July 5, 2021
Bonnie was one of a kind, wonderful, caring and loving friend. I plan on meeting up with her in heaven, there is no doubt that is where she is now. I miss her dearly. The pain of missing her never goes away. We shared many good times in Florida.
Anne Hamlin
July 6, 2020
I miss her so much. I thought about her the other day, she always brought peanut butter pretzels on our bus trip to the casinos, and I bought some a few weeks ago, but some how they just don't taste as good as Bonnies when she gave them to us on the bus. I won't buy them anymore. She was such an inspiration. I wish I could see her again, but I guess I have to wait until I see her in heaven. Loved her so much!!!
Eileen Melia
July 25, 2013
Jak
What can I say to you. She was the best and I will miss her. You were both such a big part of my childhood. I remember sitting at the kitchen table shucking peas with her(I had never done that...she taught me I had to have been only 10), playing badminton, being down the Jersey shore with you guys in the doll house. You are in my heart and prayers. Love Eileen
Kathe Craig
July 23, 2013
Jak, I was shocked and saddened by the news of Bonnie's death. So many memories of good times we shared and a few of rougher times we weathered together. Bonnie would want me to ask if the food in the freezer was good. She planned to leave it stocked for you. She added many words to my vocabulary-like bishes to keep my feet warm in the winter. And she taught me important things like how to make gravy and how to forgive.You are forever in my heart, Bonnie.
kevin and reina kelley
July 22, 2013
jack,
sorry for your loss, we will always have fond memories of Bonnie and remember her with Love as we are thinking of you.
kevin and reina kelley
Frank Koris
July 18, 2013
Dear Jack, we will most surely miss Bonnie- she was a pleasure to be around, so ready for a good time - The Oaks has lost a gem....
we wish you peace and comfort at this time.
Frank & Julie Koris
Betty & Mike Coonan
July 16, 2013
With heartfelt sympathy. May you find comfort knowing that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. And may you find peace knowing that there is one more angel in heaven. Bonnie was an inspiration. We will miss her dearly. Your loss is deeply felt.
Gary Hathaway
July 15, 2013
So sorry to hear of cousin Bonnie passing. She is missed already.
Violet Kelley
July 15, 2013
Jack, I'm so sorry for your loss. Bonnie truly was a sweet and kind sister-in-law. Wish we could have spent more time together. She will be fondly remembered for her upbeat attitude and quick wit. May your memories of your life together sustain you at this difficult time. You are loved and in my prayers.
Ruh and Scott
July 14, 2013
We will really miss Bonnie. She was Bonita Louise to my Ruhanna Marie..and I loved our shared loving and laughing - mostly laughing! She is at peace. Warmest thoughts and regards to Jack.
Edwin Seeton
July 14, 2013
We feel that we were truly blessed to have known such a grand woman. Ed and I admired her courage through all of her illness You were a wonderful husband and friend to her. Our thought and prayers are with you at this most difficult time
Ed and Diane
Tom Oleyar
July 14, 2013
Jack, you were so blessed with a perfect mate in bonnie, she is a true role model of a caring, oh so funny and giving, wonderful lady, we will miss bonnie dearly, God help you thru this most difficult time. Love tom and carol oleyar
Linda Dolan
July 14, 2013
Jack, I'm so sorry to hear about BoKu's passing. We were roommates at Alfred and when we got our first jobs in Rochester. I didn't stay close and feel really bad about it. We have a house in Lakeland, Fl. and could've come down to visit if I had known you were so close. Our prayers are with you. Clance
Peter &Barbara Laband
July 13, 2013
Jack, you have our deepest sympathy for your loss,we have lost a good neighbor. We will both miss her when we get back to the Oaks. You will be in our prayers.
Lesley and Fred Costello
July 13, 2013
Jack Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. It was a pleasure to have known Bonnie. Such a wit with such a kind heart. The Oaks will never be the same without her.
Tim & Marty Chambers
July 13, 2013
We met Bonnie in Florida.She will be so missed at the Florida gatherings but never forgotten, always in our hearts.Jack you were so lucky to have had such a wonderful partner.Take care of yourself-Tim and Marty.
Gloria Faxon
July 12, 2013
I am gonna miss you BonBon.....Gigi
Donna Serbenski
July 12, 2013
Still can't believe I won't see BonBon when I get to Florida. So many good times to remember, playing cards and dominoes and especially our trips to the casino. She was a good friend and I was extremely lucky to have known her. She will always hold a special place in my heart. Jack, my thoughts and prayers are with you and with all your family.
Marian Patel
July 12, 2013
Jack,So sorry to hear of Bonnies passing. The parties and outings to the casinos will not be the same without her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and her family. Marian Patel
Paul and Linda Oleyar
July 12, 2013
Bonnie will always be in our hearts. We have so many good memories of the times we shared at the Oaks. Jack, our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Marianne McMichael
July 12, 2013
Jack, We are so sorry to hear of Bonnie's passing. We enjoyed being around her as she had such a great sense of humor and she was so kind to everyone. She will be greatly missed by us and all her friends
at the Oaks.
July 12, 2013
Dear Jack and family,
It was so sad to hear of Bonnie's passing. She was always so nice and friendly. You will be in my thoughts and prayers,
God Bless,
Delia Mastromatteo Porter
July 12, 2013
Dear Jack, we are so sorry for your loss. Bonnie was always such a caring,sweet person who loved to have a good time. She will be missed. Barb and John Patroulis
Lee
July 12, 2013
I knew Bonnie was special from the day I met her in Florida. Her special way made me and all around her laugh and feel comfortable. Her kindness toward people will be remembered always. You are truly missed. Peace.
Lee
Lou Nagy
July 11, 2013
Jack, very sad to hear. Her sweet memory lingers on. My prayers are with you.
Wally Bell
July 11, 2013
Rest Bonnie, God Bless You
Anne Hamlin
July 11, 2013
Our beloved "bon bon" has gone to her maker. She was so loved by everyone. I have never met anyone so humorous, upbeat, caring and her quick wit will be missed by everyone. She was one of a kind!!! Love you,
Anne (Gammie)
Bonnie 1960
Barbara Flanders
July 11, 2013
Bonnie 1960 "Too Much Soap!"
Barb & Ted Flanders
July 11, 2013
Bonnie was my college roommate & sorority sister. I loved her quick wit and dry sense of humor. She always seemed to find a fun & positive side to every situation. We spent a summer together as waitresses on Oquaga Lake, Deposit, NY, and she & Jack were witnesses at Ted's & my elopement in 1964. Fond memories of Bonnie will always be in my heart.
Our love and sympathies go out to you Jack.
Dan Boland
July 11, 2013
Both Barbara and I are very sorry to hear about Bonnie. Condolences to her family. It only seems like yesterday that I would occasionally drive Bonnie home from OFA in my 49 Ford.
Debbie (Bean) and Joe Hartnett
July 11, 2013
My deepest sympathy to you Jack, and your family. Bonnie always was a lot of fun and she will be deeply missed.
July 11, 2013
So sorry for you loss UJ. Aunt Bonnie will be missed!
July 11, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bonnie's family and friends. Bonnie's wit and strength supported her well through her illness.
Sandy and Bob Bower
Alycia Haus
July 11, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss and shocked to hear this. I always enjoyed playing a good game of pitch with Bonnie! May God give you the strength to get you through the difficult days ahead.
Joanne and Terence (Bebel) Cooney
July 11, 2013
So sorry for your loss. With love and condolences.
Joanne and Terence (Bebel) Cooney
July 11, 2013
So sorry for your loss. With love and condolences.
Lucille (Rossetti) Bearden
July 11, 2013
Jack, my heart was broken when I read of Bonnie's passing. While it has been years since we have been in touch I have so many fond memories of our years together. I have thought of both of you often during the past few years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this very sad time. Love, Lucille and John
July 11, 2013
My sincere and deepest sympathies to Bonnie's family as they struggle through the dark days ahead. I carry fond memories of time spent with the Hathaway family. Close my eyes and I can hear Bonnie's laughter and her voice filled with wit. Thank you Bonnie for you are. I know Heaven will be a happier place with your presence while we try to fill the void without you. Godspeed Bonnie.
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