Bonnie passed away on January 14, 2025.
She was born on February 25, 1942 to Stanley and Doris Kelsey Gillis. She is survived by her daughter, Leslie (Robert) Graham, Grandchildren; Kelsey Rose Van Aken, David and Stephen Graham, Father of her daughter David (Bijali Ohal) Connell, Brother Richard (Gail Price) Gillis, Brother-In-Law James (Karen) Waters, Sister-In-Law Kathryn Gillis, Roxanne Waters, and beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, and dear friend, Thomas Pampalone.
She is predeceased by her husband Kenneth Waters, brother Eugene Gillis, Sister-In-Laws Carol Gillis, Patricia DeCerbo, Pat Waters, Brothers-In-Law Lynn and Michael Waters, and Richard DeCerbo.
Bonnie graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in retailing. Upon graduation, she worked as a buyer in the women’s department at Edward’s Department Store on Main Street, Rochester, where she met Leslie’s father, David. She loved to tell the story that Leslie was born on Edward’s famous Women’s Day Sale.
She loved crocheting, knitting, sewing, and needle work. She worked several years at VIP Yarns in Greece, NY.
She owned her own antique and gift shop at Village Gate mall in Rochester.
She worked at the Town of Victor as an administrative assistant as well as in the Town Historian’s Office. She loved genealogy. Her proudest history research project was applying for a historic plaque from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation for her beloved homestead, which we are so grateful she was able to watch her son-in-law and grandsons install on New Year’s Day.
At the time of her passing, she was Secretary to the Boughton Hill Cemetery Association and the South Perinton Cemetery Association.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Jarmusz Cotton Funeral Home, with a private burial at South Perinton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Lymphedema Network at 2229 Bridge Avenue, PO Box 667, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742 or at [email protected].
I’m so sorry Leslie. I’ll always remember her kindness and warm and giving personality. She helped me with the research for our Village home when Babette gave us the historic plaque for 120 E. Main in 2008. It was always fun talking with both of your parents about the history of Victor. My daughter and grand-daughter especially like blue birds and I’ll think of your Mom when I see the next one around. Years ago, I enjoyed working with Bonnie in the Town Hall too!
Leslie, Kelsie, Bob and family,
My heart breaks for the sadness you must be dealing with at this time. Know that I am sending strength and prayers to help you through this time of sorrow.
My heart breaks over the loss of a woman of such grace who I am happy to have called “mom”.😢💖
We have known Bonnie for years and I’m sure hrr family and friends will miss her. May the Lord comfort you in thecdays to come.
Stephen and Norma Bence Grover
Leslie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother did so much to preserve the history of Victor. She helped to preserve and document the Old Village Cemetery. She served on the Victor Historic Advisory Committee and the Victor Cemetery Preservation and Restoration Committee and she helped start the Victor Genealogical Society. She was a friend and my go-to person for any local history questions. I will miss her gentle wisdom and vast knowledge of Victor history.
Bonnie’s passing is a loss to our whole community.
Leslie and Family,
My name is John Oderkirk from Victor, and while attending your Mom Bonnie’s service Saturday I was honored to hear how deeply loved and cherished your Mom was.
Your remembrance memories read by Reverend Connell vere so very special, as I only knew your Mom through our Boughton Hill Cemetery board meetings.
Your Mom’s niece Amy, great niece Iona, cousin Jennifer, granddaughter Kelsy Rose and friend Carole all helped make the service a warm and loving tribute to your Mom.
We were very fortunate to have had your Mom for many years as our BHC secretary-her smile and get it done attitude will surely be missed.
Blessings to you and your family,
John Oderkirk
I am very saddened to hear of Bonnie’s passing. Heartfelt condolences to all her family and friends. Bonnie was my cousin through our Wells families. It was fun and a joy to share information and learn from her. I will miss her.
Love and many blessings,
Cathy Angell