Bonnie E. Clarke

GARDNER: Bonnie E. (Johnson) Clarke, 65 of Gardner, passed away Monday, August 3, 2015 in her home surrounded by her loving family after a long illness. Bonnie was predeceased by her parents Walter Johnson and Norma (Ramsdell) Johnson. She was also predeceased by her aunt and uncle who raised her and her sisters, Richard (Red) Knower and his wife Dorothy Knower and her niece Leeanne Richard. She is survived by her four children: Tracy Clarke and her significant other Melvin Walker of Fitchburg, Kellie Clarke and her significant other Eddie Maguire of Gardner, Thomas Clarke and his fiancé Rachel Jean of Gardner, Jeremy Clarke and his fiancé Nicole Ellis of Baldwinville, twenty-three grandchildren: Justin Clarke and his significant other Amy Beauregard, Ryan Clarke, Sydney Gonzalez, Elijah Aviles, Izaiah and Andre Quinones, Matthew Holroyd, Tyler Maguire, Thomas, Cameron, Lyric, Avery, Kylee and Trinity Clarke, Christopher and Bradleigh Shultz, Kyra and Kyle Ellis, Colby, Riley and Makenzie Clarke, Austin Cafarella and Katelyn Vorce; one great granddaughter: Lilly Clarke; two sisters: Jacqueline Kinzer and her significant other Ivan Richard, Mona Dunn and her husband George of East Templeton; many nieces, nephews, and her dog Rocky. Bonnie was born in Gardner on April 29, 1950. She grew up in East Templeton where she was raised by her very der aunt and Uncle. She graduated from Narragansett Regional High School in 1968. She later attended MWCC and North Eastern University where she majored in Criminal Justice. She worked for many years as a youth counselor at the Stetson School and then at Protestant Youth Center. She later worked as an office secretary for many years until she became ill. She spent most of her life in East Templeton and Gardner, but also lived many years in New Jersey and Florida with her sister Jackie and Pete Bennett where they made many fun memories together that she cherished and often talked of. Bonnie was a fun, loving, easy going woman who always tried to make everyone happy. She would always help anyone in need. She loved to bake, especially for holidays and always did it as though she was baking for a party. She loved to crochet and sew. She loved making crafts and she loved to shop. A trip to the store for milk and she was gone for hours, but the thing she loved most was spending time with her grandchildren and children. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. A celebration of Bonnie's life will be held at a later date.