Bonita "Bonnie" Santo

 Bonita “Bonnie” Santo, 76, passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on November 13, 2023 at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital.

    Born on March 15, 1947 to the late Edward J. and Ella M. (Robertson) Turner, Bonnie spent her early years in Bangor, Maine before moving to the Northeast Kingdom in 1981 with her family. She spent over 50 years of her life as a caregiver, beginning as a candy striper at Eastern Main Medical Center in 1963 before moving to other forms of caregiving as a Licensed Nursing Assistant at The Pines in Lyndonville, VT, and Union House in Glover, VT for 20 years, as well as a Direct Service Provider with Northeast Kingdom Human Services for over 25 years. Those Bonnie cared for became part of her family and her service was cherished not just by those she cared for, but by all who saw the love with which she cared for others. 

 Bonnie’s greatest form of caregiving, however, was the care she showed for her family. Through summer cookouts and Christmas parties that were described as “magical,” she was able to bring those most important to her together, keeping the bonds of family close. As her family grew from children, to grandchildren, to great-grandchildren, Bonnie knew the importance of making sure that all who came into her life were wanted and loved, which was the greatest gift she could ever give. 

    Caring for others was Bonnie’s passion, so it was difficult for her to have to let others take care of her as her struggle with dementia progressed. What she lost in her short-term memory was made up for in what remained: her love of family, her contagious smile, and her warm heart. While dementia can be seen as a devastating disease, those who had the honor of caring for her took comfort in seeing that, though difficult, the opportunity to show her that she was wanted and loved was the best way to help someone who spent her whole life helping others. 

    In addition to her parents, Bonnie was predeceased by her brother, John E. Turner, and sister, Constance P. Campbell. 
    Those she leaves behind include her sons, Jeffery S. (Tracy) and Kevin D. (Kelly) Santo; daughters Kelly J. Turner and Kimberly J. (Eric) Poginy; grandchildren Sean W. and Shannon M. Rutherford, Scott E. Petterson, Kevin E., Joseph I., Sean J., and Deanna L. Santo, Alicia A. John, Kaylee M., Faith A., and Jeffrey R. Santo, and David A. Bona; and great-grandchildren Paisley R. Martin, Ashton J. Santo, and Bentley A. Crowley. 

 A Christmas gathering to celebrate Bonnie’s life will be held at the Lyndonville VFW Post #10038 on December 3rd at 1:00pm.  

 In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bonnie’s memory can be made to the Make-A-Wish Vermont Foundation.