Bonnie L. VanGorden, 77, Massena

MASSENA -- Bonnie L. VanGorden, 77, of Massena, NY passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Massena Memorial Hospital.

Bonnie was born December 20, 1946 in Potsdam, NY the daughter of the late Amos and Marion VanGorden.

Bonnie was a 1965 graduate of Massena Central High School.

Bonnie worked in child daycare for years and most recently, until her retirement, for Wal-Mart. You could see her beautiful, welcoming smile as you entered the Massena, Store, as she was employed as their greeter.

She had the most infectious laugh, and made everyone instantly feel happier upon hearing it. She had a heart of gold and was the type of person who would not only give you the shirt off of her back, but more than likely, the ring off of one of her fingers, if you commented that you liked it!

She would literally laugh out loud if someone told her a joke, and then within seconds, turn to the person beside her to tell them she didn’t get it. Her innocence was endearing to those who loved her the most.

Bonnie enjoyed life-going for rides with her family around Barnhart, through her old neighborhoods reliving the past or especially to the mountains leaf peeping. Her brother and sister in-law took her to see the Mets (her favorite team) in NYC and she enjoyed going camping with them.

She enjoyed reading mystery/crime books, playing bingo, and spending time with her cat. She had a great love for animals and always said if she won the lottery, she’d adopt them all.

Her greatest love though was her family and she always said that she wished we could live like the Walton’s, all under one roof. We would just laugh because, well…

Surviving are her brother, Steve VanGorden (Julie) of Ogdensburg, NY her nieces and nephews, Gary Balaban Jr. (Jen) of Parishville, NY, Wendy (Balaban) Chambers (Don) of Colton, NY: Steve VanGorden Jr. (Amber) of Ogdensburg, NY; Rich VanGorden (Amber) of Waddington, NY: Danielle Bartholomew (Luke) of Waddington, NY and Michelle VanGorden (Joey Grizzuto) of Ogdensburg, NY. She is also survived by several great nieces and nephews and one great –great niece.

Besides her parents, Bonnie was also predeceased by her sister, Mary Balaban; her infant brother, Allen VanGorden, her nephew, Shaun Balaban and her great nephew, Benjamin Chambers.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Phillips Memorial Home in Massena with burial in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Foundation, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, The American Heart Association, National Center, 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231or an Animal rescue of your choice in her name.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.PhillipsMemorial.com.