Obituary of Bonnie F. Bates
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bonnie F. Bates, a beloved member of our community, who peacefully departed this world on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at Columbia Memorial Hospital. Bonnie was 82 years young. Born on June 20th, 1942, Bonnie spent her formative years in the nurturing embrace of Potter Hollow, NY, a place she always held dear. She was lovingly raised by her parents, the late Dewitt and Vera Faulkner Cook, who instilled in her a spirit of kindness and a passion for life.
Bonnie graduated from Middleburgh CSD and dedicated much of her working life to Stiefel Laboratories, where she was known for her dedication and warm spirit. Bonnie was a woman deeply connected to her community. She was a lifetime member of the Greene County Ladies Auxiliary and a Charter Member of the Tri-Village Ladies Auxiliary, organizations she cherished. Her days were filled with the simple joys of life: the rhythmic whir of her sewing machine, the satisfaction of creating beautiful crafts, and most importantly, the warmth of time spent with her cherished family and friends. Every morning, without fail, she would connect with her dearest friend, Lilian Wood, a testament to the enduring power of friendship.
Though her physical presence is gone, Bonnie's memory will live on through the hearts of those she leaves behind. She is survived by her devoted son-in-law, Gary Wood; nephews Gordon Wood, Timothy Wood, and Milton Cook; nieces Doreen Pricolo and Tina Wood, and many great-nieces and nephews who adored her. She also leaves behind her brother-in-law, Steven Wood, and sister-in-law, Irene Cook.
Bonnie now joins her beloved husband, Phillip Bates, and her cherished daughter, Deborah Bates Hulbert, in eternal peace. She is also predeceased by her siblings, Barbara Wood and Milton Cook, whose memories she held close to her heart.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bonnie's name to the Tri-Village Fire Company PO Box 575 Preston Hollow, NY 12469 and the Schoharie Animal Shelter 304 Howes Cave Rd, Howes Cave, NY 12092, organizations that reflected her compassionate spirit.
A memorial gathering to celebrate Bonnie's life will be held on Saturday, March 15th, from 1 to 3 pm at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, located at 4898 SR 81, Greenville, NY. Please join us as we remember and honor a life well-lived, a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear.
Condolences may be left at www.ajcunninghamfh.com. May Bonnie's memory be a blessing to us all.
