Margaret "Bonnie" Jane Murray

Margaret “Bonnie” Jane Murray, 96, of Marietta, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, mother-in-law, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 1.

Born in New York City to Margaret and William Bonisteel, Bonnie was a longtime resident of Marietta. She attended Plattsburgh State Teachers College and Ohio Wesleyan University, later earning her master’s degree at Syracuse University. A beloved kindergarten teacher for 23 years at Stonehedge Elementary School, she had previously taught nursery school at the First Presbyterian Church in Syracuse.

Bonnie was an avid nature lover, delighting in flora and fauna. She tended beautiful flower gardens, kept bird feeders, and cherished walks through the woods or sailing and canoeing on Otisco Lake. An accomplished equestrian, she taught horseback riding lessons, rode in competitions, poker runs, and treasured her horses, dogs, and cats.

A gifted musician, Bonnie shared her beautiful voice in choirs and played the piano and trumpet, often entertaining friends. She and her husband, Joe, were also a fine dance team, active in clubs such as The Socialaires and Top Hats.

Bonnie loved people and socializing. She was a member of many clubs and groups such as the Empire State Thimble Club, Antiques Club, and Pitch Card Players Group. She cherished time with her many friends, enjoying fun activities together.

With a curious mind and a love for learning, Bonnie excelled at sewing, tapestry, quilling, wood whittling, and other crafts. She was also a knowledgeable collector of thimbles and antique sewing artifacts.

Bonnie was very patriotic and a member of the Comfort Tyler Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of Founders and Patriots, Women Descendants of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, among others.

Bonnie’s zest for life took her on adventures from San Francisco to Ireland and Alaska. She enjoyed plays, concerts, camping, cruises, and sports. A college shot put champion, she also played softball, excelled at skeet shooting, and rooted passionately for West Genesee, SU, and Ohio teams.

Above all, Bonnie’s greatest joy was her family. She delighted in family activities, lovingly cooking favorite meals and treats. She was the pillar, backbone, and inspiration for all who knew her—a woman of remarkable strength whose steady presence grounded and uplifted those around her.

Bonnie embraced life with love, joy, and gusto, giving back to others with the same generous spirit. She welcomed everyone she met with warmth, kindness, and care. She will be forever deeply missed and always lovingly remembered.

The family would like to express their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to Bonnie’s daughter, Peg Murray, for her years of unwavering, constant, and loving care for Bonnie. Her compassion never wavered, and she was devoted to ensuring that Bonnie lived her life with grace and dignity. The family is also deeply indebted to Tammy Brown, Sara Prince, Melanie Shelly, and Taylor Lofink for their love, friendship, care, and devotion, which brought happiness and comfort to all of Bonnie’s days with them.

Bonnie is predeceased by her dear husband, Joseph A. Murray; and brothers, John and Rodney Bonisteel.

Surviving are her children, Susan L. DeRienzo, William J. (Patricia) Murray, Margaret Jane “Peg/Stache” Murray, and Linda M. (Steven) Schnepf; grandchildren, Erik and Stefan Schroder, Raena Frohlich, Kyle Schnepf, and Emily Beck-Andersen; several great-grandchildren; sister, Elizabeth Prince; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be private.

Bonnie will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery, Adams.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the World Wildlife Fund, 1250 Twenty-Fourth St., N.W., P.O. Box 97180, Washington, DC 20090-7180, or the Navarino Fire Department, 3276 Amber Rd., Syracuse, NY 13215, or to MAVES, 3707 Lee Mulroy Road, P.O. Box 203, Marcellus, NY 13108.