Bonnie M. LaPree, 76, Massena

MASSENA -- Bonnie M. LaPree, 76, peacefully passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024, at the Massena Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, with her daughters by her side.

Bonnie was born on June 2, 1947, in Massena, daughter of the late Ernest J. and Angeline (Jenkins) Gagne. She was a graduate of Madrid-Waddington Central School and earned her nursing degree.

She married Dennis A. Willard. The marriage ended in divorce. She then married Robert L. LaPree on June 29, 1996. Robert predeceased her on October 22, 2006.

She was an LPN, working for a few years at the Massena Memorial Hospital before taking some time off of work to pursue fostering children. Then she worked for St. Lawrence County Department of Public Health from where she retired.

She was a devoted communicant of Sacred Heart Church and loved ministry service and weekly visitation at the nursing homes. She loved baking and cooking, reading recipe books, shopping and attending church.

Bonnie is survived by two children, Amy J. (Russell Lowes) Willard of Waddington; and Jennifer (Quinn Patraw) Hayden of Massena; five grandchildren, Andrew (Lilly); Aaron, Rayden, Hayliegh and Kayde; and three great grandchildren, Ashton, Grayson and Amelia.

She is also survived by four sisters, Marsha Addison, Mary Lynn Gagne, Brenda P. Gregario, and Lorna J. Lumley; and four brothers, Gary, Todd, Ted and Tim Gagne; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her parents, Ernest and Angeline, and her husband, Robert, Bonnie was also predeceased by a son, Raymond John Willard in 1996, her life partner, Ron Riley in 2018; and her sisters, Lori J. Louie in 2003, and Sue Ellen Gagne in infancy.

Friends may call at the Donaldson Funeral Home Tuesday from 2-5 PM where a funeral service will be held at 5PM with Rev. Mark Reilly officiating. Burial will be held privately at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Brasher.

Memorial donations may be made in Bonnie’s memory to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Donaldson Funeral Home where friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences online at www.donaldsonfh.com.