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Muriel Bonin Obituary
Muriel attended Litchfield schools, one-room Pine Tree School, the Litchfield Academy and the University of Maine in Augusta.
She married Leopold E. Bonin and had three children. He died May 30, 1999.
Muriel was a homemaker until her children were all in school. She then went to work at the Maine Public Utilities Commission, Department of Health & Human Services, Maine Lung Association and the Maine Optometric Association from which her first retirement occurred.
Muriel was executive secretary of the Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs for 32 years. She attended every fair in the state every year, providing support, encouragement and consultation services. Her coordination of the annual fair convention took it from a party environment to a learning and information sharing one as well.
Muriel had a long history of community service and involvement. She had been on the board of directors of the Litchfield Farmers Club since 1954. Her dream to establish an agricultural museum at the Litchfield Fair was realized in 2006 and she had been cooking on the wood stove there at every opportunity. She also served as secretary for many years. She was a lifelong member of the Litchfield Grange, serving as secretary for many years until it closed. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary of the William R. Bold Post 181.
She served on the School Committee for more than 30 years, the Board of Selectmen for three terms, the Solid Waste Committee and the Litchfield Academy Board of Trustees. Muriel was director of the Litchfield Community Food Bank and Deacon of the Litchfield Community Christian Church.
She received a Spirit of America Award several years ago. She also was a director of the Riverview Federal Credit Union before it merged and was a longtime member of the Litchfield TOPS group.
Survivors include her three children, daughter Mrs. Clyde (Murian) Harper of Clarksville, Ga.; her son, Kendall, and wife, Sharon Bonin, of Litchfield; and daughter Mrs. Philip (Rayna) Leibowitz of Litchfield; grandchildren Amy Reynolds of New Jersey, Melissa Reichenecker of Texas, and Teresa Holland, Dana Bonin, Paul Bonin, Jonmickel Pardo of Montana; great-grandchildren Calista and David Reynolds, Jacob and Cassie Reichenecker and Brian, Megan, Jillian Holland; sisters Marie Morris, Florence Slattery and Ardis Small, all of Litchfield, and Frances Bubier of Monmouth; and a brother, Wayne Hodsdon, of Florida; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins, and friends including Donald K. Vannah, a special friend.
Visiting hours will be held 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept 13, at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. A celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept 14, at Litchfield Community Christian Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Litchfield Food Bank Generator Fund; or the Litchfield Fair Museum Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Muriel Bonin
Stanley Painter
September 14, 2011
Muriel--It has b een an honour and a rileleg to follow you from strawberry patchs and apple orchards during my long life and to track you down at the Litchfield Fair and chase you into town meetings.You have left an enormous hole in Litchfield and surrounding towns--much bigger the McGee Aggregates on the Cemetery Road in Monmouth..You have enjoyed ur share of baked beans everywhere. I extend my condolences to yhour enourmous family----and Frances, I prmise not to hit you on the head with apple thinnings any more. Rest well, Muriel---you have earned it. Mickey Painter
Thomas Foster
September 13, 2011
On behalf of Windsor Fair, I'd like to extend our condolences to Muriel's family. Her contribution to her community and especially the Maine Association of Fairs was second to none. Her hard work and dedication certainly had much to do with the great organization we have. She will be sorely missed.
Karen and I want to also express our sympathy. She was on icon in the fair business and a great lady.
JoAnn Mooney
September 12, 2011
Rayna,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was lucky to have a daughter who also shares a strong commitment to serving both the smaller and larger communities of Maine.
JoAnn
September 8, 2011
The Carry Pond Association has lost a valued friend. Muriel served as Secretary-Treasurer of the organization for many years. She did far more than keep the records. She directed the group with helpful suggestions. She tempered idealism with pragmatism and was instrumental in developing the group into the fine organization it is today.
We were privileged to have the opportunity to visit with Muriel last Saturday, September 3, at the Annual Meeting of Carry Ponds Association.
We extend sincere sympathy to her family. She will be sorely missed.
Wanda Calder, Treasurer
Carry Ponds Association
Lyn Traver
September 8, 2011
Our love to Muriel's family. We are grateful to have known Muriel and share family Thanksgivings.She was an amazing woman.
Lyn,Danice, James and Jeffrey
September 7, 2011
Our heartfelt sympathy to the family. I know she will leave a huge gap in the family. She did so much for so many. We met her in her capacity for The Maine Fair assoc. She came to our print shop to put in her order for fair passes and to have the newsletter printed. She always brought her faithful dog with her. I enjoyed our conversations and considered her a friend. She will be greatly missed. Ann & Bill Ebert
Ted & Pat weymouth
September 7, 2011
Muriel was a very special person and lived a very amazing and active life.She did alot for her community and for others and will be missed very much.Our deepsest sympathy the the family,Ted and Pat Weymouth.
Louise Couillard
September 7, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to you all, she was an amazing woman.
sincerely,
Peter and Louise (Small) Couillard
Beth Barton
September 7, 2011
Muriel will be sorely missed - I was hoping to see her at the Litchfield Fair again this month. My sincere sorrow and love to her family at this time. She had a life that should definately be celebrated!
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