Bonnie Thayer

WINCHENDON, Mass. - Bonnie Thayer, a beacon of warmth and wisdom, departed from our world on Feb. 3, 2024.

Born on March 28, 1945, in Ironwood, Michigan, Bonnie's life was a testament to strength, resilience, and boundless love. She graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1963. She then received her associate degree from Gogebic Community College in 1965 and her Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Michigan University in 1967. She dedicated her life to education, guiding countless young minds in Anoka, Minnesota, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and finally in Winchendon, Massachusetts, where she served first as a first grade teacher and then as a special needs teacher until her retirement. Her love for learning and teaching was only surpassed by her love for her loved ones and her community.

Bonnie's passion for life was evident in her many hobbies. She was an avid gnome collector, a fervent reader of Cozy Mysteries, a crossword puzzle enthusiast and a keen gardener. Her love for Wells Beach, Maine, was a testament to her appreciation of nature's beauty. As a proud member of the United Parish in Winchendon, she served various committees over the years. Bonnie was also a part of the Woman's Fellowship and in her youth, the Job's Daughters. Her life was brimming with vigor and a never-ending pursuit of knowledge, love and service.

Bonnie is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, John Thayer; her two daughters, Melissa and Meghan Thayer; her brother, David Coleman; her sister-in-law, Wendy Thayer; her brother-in-law, David (Rhonda) Thayer; and her nieces and nephews, Lynn Coleman, Kevin (Andrea) Coleman, Jennifer (Brian) Goodman, Devin (Justine) Thayer, Daniel Thayer and Sarah Thayer, and Caitlin Thayer; and three great-nephews and a great-niece. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Jr. and Margret Coleman.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, Feb. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central St., in Winchendon. The funeral service will follow on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 11 a.m. in United Parish Church, 39 Front St., in Winchendon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the United Parish of Winchendon.

We invite you to leave your memories, stories and photos of Bonnie on the memorial page. Your contributions will help us remember and celebrate Bonnie's remarkable life. Let us remember her not with sorrow, but with the joy and warmth she brought into our lives, at stone-ladeau.com.