Bonnie Chancey Abbate

1950 - 2025

Bonnie Chancey Abbate

September 8, 1950 - October 31, 2025

Bonnie Chancey Abbate, 75, of Richmond, VA, went to be with the Lord on October 31, 2025. She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Don Abbate; children, Donna Beckley (Drew), Clint Abbate (Leah), Michael Abbate (Morgan); grandchildren, Cannon, Colin, Kennedy, Sloane, Charlotte, Warren, and Walker; sister, Peggy Wingfield (Mark); brother, Steve Chancey (Betty); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom will miss her joy and smile.

It would be an injustice to begin anywhere but with Bonnie's strong and abiding faith. Her devotion brought her immense comfort praying the rosary daily and watching Mass each day. A faithful member of her weekly prayer group, Bonnie's spiritual life was her foundation and peace.

Bonnie was a wonderful mother to her children who she poured her love and wisdom into. She took immense pride into the adults they became. She was also a cherished grandmother to her seven grandchildren who were the love of her life.

Creative to her core, Bonnie had a remarkable ability to write a story about anything whether she knew the topic or not (see Don's college paper). Her creativity extended to every corner of her life from crafting celebratory banners, gardening, sewing, and knitting. Bonnie would find immense joy sitting for hours painting with her grandkids and loved working jigsaw puzzles (usually several at a time). Bonnie was an avid reader with a love of mysteries, love stories, historical novels and self help books.

Bonnie's career was as varied as her interests. She served as a contract administrator, bank teller, and office administrator. She volunteered at her children's school, and concluded her professional journey as a receptionist and coordinator at Bliley's Funeral Home.

Known for her compassionate heart and kind spirit, Bonnie loved animals deeply and cared about their well-being. Her sense of humor, quick wit, curiosity, and generosity drew people to her. Bonnie had the ability to connect with anyone. Whether sending funny YouTube or Instagram videos to brighten a friend's day or offering a listening ear, Bonnie made people feel seen, valued, and loved.

Bonnie had a penchant for bucking at the rules and doing things her own way, much to the occasional dismay of her rule-following husband. But that was part of her charm living life authentically. Even as her body grew weary, Bonnie's brilliant mind, quick wit, and endless empathy never dimmed. She continued to care for others, ensuring everyone around her was okay. Her love, laughter, and faith will be forever remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

The family will receive friends 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Bliley's, 8510 Staples Mill Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m., Monday, November 17 at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 6006 Three Chopt Road.

In lieu of flowers, Bonnie would appreciate donations to organizations that care for animals, such as Richmond Animal League (RAL) or your local SPCA.