Obituary of Bonnie A. Goodrich
Bonnie Ann Goodrich, 81, of Avoca, NY died June 17, 2023 at her home, surrounded by family. She was born August 23, 1941 in Bath, NY, the daughter of William Kelsey and Beatrice Fox Hill.
She attended SUNY Potsdam and graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a degree in education. As the wife of a Naval Submarine Officer, she moved households every three years from 1963 through 1981, providing essential stability for her family as they adventured together in every new location – exploring the natural beauty of Oahu, the sights and sounds of San Francisco, and the nautical history of Mystic Seaport. She had a tendency to make friends in grocery lines and throughout her life she offered her support, wisdom, and friendship to those who needed it. After settling again in her childhood home in Avoca, NY, Bonnie continued her education at BOCES and Corning Community College and earned her L.P.N. and R.N. degrees. She went on to have a 23-year nursing career, most of which was at Corning Hospital as an ICU night nurse.
She celebrated every season with joy and could transform any day into an occasion. She was a talented cook, grew the best pumpkins, made strawberry jam that tastes like summer, and sent delicious cookie care packages to her loved ones, even when they were far, far away. She loved Labradors, the Hawaiian Honu, searching for the best culinary delight (pie, lobster roll, barbeque, reuben) wherever she found herself, listening to waves crash on the beach, the crick gurgle, and the wrens complain, and watching the sun rise and set at Beloin’s, ME, Barbers Point, HI and on the farm.
She is preceded in death by: her mother, Beatrice Hill; her father, William Kelsey Hill; her brother, William Kelsey Hill; and her beloved dogs Josephine, Megg, Wendy, Dave, Gracie, and Major. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, William Angier Fowler Goodrich, LCDR USN, ret, her daughters Melissa Bea Goodrich del Caño (Jay del Caño) and Heidi Goodrich-Blair, Ph.D. (Michael Blair), her grandchildren (to whom she was known as Grandad’s woman, Wanda) Benjamin Kelsey Blair, LT USN, Amelia Morgan del Caño, Alexander Fox Blair, M.D., and Madeleine Noel del Caño, and a cat named Danny who cuddled with her until the end. She will be deeply missed by all.
The family requests that any memorials be made to the Finger Lakes SPCA, 72, Cameron Street, Bath, NY 14810. https://fingerlakesspca.org/
