Bonita A. Legare

Bonita A. (Butler) Legare, 75, of Athol, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 30, 2017 at Quabbin Valley Convalescent Center in Athol following a period of declining health. She leaves her beloved husband of 35 years, Philip Legare of Athol and her step-son Philip A. Legare Jr. of Orange. She was predeceased by her step-son Leslie E. Legare, She leaves her in-laws: Sidney and Penny Legare of Athol, James and Donna Bulger of Vermont, Denis and Jeanine Legare of Petersham and many nieces and nephews. She was born in December 1941 to the late Jean and Connie (Colaluca) Butler of Hull, MA. Bonnie attended Hull public schools and earned her teacher's degree at Suffolk University in Boston, MA. Bonita relocated to Athol in 1968 where she began her career as an English teacher at the Athol Jr. High School/ Middle School. She was passionate about helping students with reading. Bonnie retired in 1999 after 31 years of service. She and her husband enjoyed spending many winters in their No. Fort Myers, Florida home. During retirement, Bonnie crocheted hundreds of childrens winter hats to donate to the Salvation Army at Christmas. She was also an avid Boston Red Sox fan. Services are being directed by Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road in Orange, MA. A calling hour from 2:30-3:30 pm will be held Sunday, May 7, 2017, with a funeral service at 3:30 p.m. Following cremation, burial will be in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon, MA at the convenience of the family. Bonnie's family wishes to thank the staff at Quabbin Valley Convalescent Center in Orange for their wonderful, compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: Quabbin Valley Convalescent Center, Inc. 821 Daniel Shay's Hwy, Athol, MA. 01331.