Bonita ‶Bonnie″ White

Bonita “Bonnie” White of Trumansburg passed away at Hospicare with family by her side on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at the age of 76.

Bonnie was born in Ithaca on June 2, 1942 a daughter of the late William “Hank” and Imogene “Gene” (Watrous) Housworth. As her parent’s journey together took them to several places that they called home, the Housworth family remained strong and committed to each other as it still is today. The oldest daughter of seven children, Bonnie learned her love of family from her mother.

She graduated Valedictorian from Trumansburg High School in 1960, where she was active in choir, cheerleading and band ensemble (piano). She also graduated from Northern Potter Joint High School as salutatorian.

After high school she went to work at Morse Chain as a secretary. She made friends quickly, went on a blind date with another couple and was introduced her to the love of her life, Bill.

Bill and Bonnie were married on November 25th, 1961. They were blessed with two daughters whom they loved unconditionally. As a working mom in those days Bonnie made a career for herself without the benefit of a college education. She was smart and dedicated, advancing to an executive position in Marketing and retiring after more than 40 years.

Her retirement years were spent with Bill, often at the Trumansburg Golf Course or traveling in their Bounder motor home. They spent many winters in Pine Island, Florida as snowbirds, enjoying outdoor catholic masses, rounds of golf and boating on the Gulf of Mexico. Her traveling adventures with Bill were numerous, but she was always there to support and enjoy her daughters and five grandchildren. She was a wonderful hostess, a natural golfer, an amazing grandmother, kind and generous, lovingly known as Popper’s Gramma. Bonnie enjoyed helping at the St. James Catholic Church holiday bazaar, as a member of the women’s guild and at her family’s Methodist Church in Jacksonville.

Her home was her castle, a great source of pride. A house that Bill and Bonnie transformed and entertained in on numerous occasions, making great memories. This home launched her entrepreneurship with Bill, expanding to acquiring and managing income property in Ithaca that supported their family and all their endeavors.

Bonnie is survived by two daughters, Terri Lee (Gary) Evans and Tammy Sue (Leo) Molina, five grandchildren, Jared, Jeremy and Tyler Evans and Cameron and Katherine Molina, brothers and sisters, Bill (Nancy) Housworth, Jim Housworth, Jerry (Eleanor) Housworth, Joan (John) Manheim, and Nancy (Mike) Rundle and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, William “Bill” White in 2017, sister in law, Sharon Housworth and sister Connie Jo.

Her life was full of many challenges which she bravely faced. We will remember her spirit of generosity and bravery forever.

The family will be present to receive friends and have light refreshments from 10:00 am to Noon on Sunday, November 25th at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg. In the Spring, a Mass will be dedicated to Bonnie and Prayers of Committal will be held in St.

James Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bonnie’s memory to Hospicare of Tompkins, Ithaca Office, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.