Conesus, NY: Born in Angola, Indiana on August 15, 1949, Bonnie grew up in Findley Lake, NY, and relished living the last 35 years on a wooded hillside in Conesus, NY.
Bonnie graduated Valedictorian from Clymer Central School in 1967, and received her master’s degree from SUNY Geneseo in 1971. She spent most of her career teaching English to 7th graders at Pavilion Central School. You can recognize her former students by their impressive ability to diagram sentences.
Bonnie was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Livonia. Beyond the local church, she also found joy teaching, serving in Lay Servant Ministries, and providing leadership for the United Methodist Western NY Conference.
She hated to fly, but loved to be behind the wheel of her car. Vacations, adventures, Emily’s soccer games, even driving across the country twice, enabling her to fulfill her lifelong goal of visiting Alaska. In retirement, she combined her love of the road with her passion for helping others by driving patients to medical appointments for Catholic Charities.
An ardent Buffalo Bills fan, Sunday afternoons were for folding laundry and watching football. She also never turned down a round of Boggle, Bananagrams, or Rummikub, and was always ready to pull together a euchre match.
Bonnie loved her extended family and was a pillar of the Montgomery clan. She was their historian, secretary, and treasurer, and avidly researched her family genealogy.
Thank you to everyone who supported Bonnie during her journey. We recognize we will never know all of the countless ways you helped during her final years.
Bonnie was preceded by her parents Barney and Margie Fergus and her children Joseph, Jacob, James, and Mary Crichton. She is survived by her husband Peter Crichton, daughter Emily (Ross) O’Hara, brother Ben (Sheri) Fergus, Norwegian exchange sister Betzy (Torfinn) Naper, and nieces, nephews, and cherished family and friends she lovingly adopted along the way.
Family and friends may call at the United Methodist Church of Livonia, 21 Summers Street, Livonia, NY 14487 for drive-thru visitation on Tuesday, September 15th, from 5-7pm. The family will greet visitors in front of the church. All are welcome to attend and we ask that everyone remain in their vehicles. For public health, the family will hold Bonnie’s funeral privately. The service will be livestreamed Wednesday, September 16th, at 3pm on the church Facebook page: https://facebook.com/UMCLivonia. Burial will be held privately at Grove Hill Cemetery, Oil City, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the United Methodist Church of Livonia at the address above. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Am is are where was have has had do does did may might must can could shall should will would be being been. Mrs. Critchton, you were right. I still remember it. Almost 20 years later. Thank you for this memory of you.
I have fond memories of Bonnie. She was a dear, sweet soul. I never met anyone as positive or encouraging as her. Our loss, heavens game. Please except my condolences Peter and Emily. Emily I recall you from UMC district Youth ministry, Your mother kept me in the loop with all the wonderful things happening in your life. You were a shining star to her. God bless you all.
Mrs. Crichton was one of the very best! One of the few teachers that really made an impact on myself and everyone she taught. I was one of the lucky ones who emailed with her until just the last couple years. We shared many life issues, happy, sad, painful and silly. The Lord called one of his most valuable home. I’m sure my mom was very happy to welcome her along with the multitude of others. She will be greatly missed here. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My heart was broken in two as I read the obituary for Bonnie. There was a part of me that rejoiced in the fact that her body was finally whole again and those who went to prepare a place for her were able to meet her with joy. The other half feels a sense of sadness as her warm smile, sense of humor, intelligence, story telling, earthly service in doing God’s work, and faith are only memories now. They are good memories that will bring smiles and laughter to those of us who were fortunate enough to know her and interact with her. To you, Peter, Emily, and extended family we send you are condolences as you prepare to create a journey of your own in this sorrowful time. Bonnie’s physical presence will always be missed but her memory and the gifts she gave you during her life will surely sustain you on this journey. Always remember you were loved and cherished.
Peter and Emily…I have tried to think of what to say that hasn’t already been said, not any easy task. So, I decided to send a handshake from my dad to you Peter and a huge hug from both my parents to you Emily. They both appreciated being invited into the warmth of your home. From me, I am sending you sympathy that is heartfelt and mixed with my tears. The last time I had a wonderful conversation with Bonnie was almost 3 years ago. She was at the Mt. Morris Rehabilitation Center where mom was residing. It was a grand visit with catching up and sharing memories about Emily’s wedding and the fun they had. In travelling back and forth to the Lakeville UCC for Sunday worship we drove past your house and I often thought we should stop to visit. It didn’t happen, so shame on us. Bonnie’s vibrancy for life, even at the worst of times, was a true expression of her faith and trust in God’s promise of eternal life. May your faith and love of her keep Bonnie’s memory ever fresh with laughter and warmth in your hearts.
Truly, truly am sorry for this good-bye you are facing. Always remember you were loved by her.
Dear Pete:
I just came across your dear wife’s obit and I thought fondly of both you back in my working days at Career Services. Bonnie was a wonderful person and I am so sorry for your loss.
Love,
Laurie Sherner
So sorry to hear about the passing of a wonderful teacher and friend, Bonnie. We enjoyed many laughs together at Pavilion Central and enjoyed conversations about the books we were reading. Please send my sincere thoughts to her family.
Sorry for loss Thinking of you,
Peter and Emily – I am very sad to read of Bonnie passing away. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bonnie will be missed by many people, what a special person. We saw her as always caring and concerned for others no matter what her own circumstances were. Our prayers are with Peter, Emily and family.
I will miss the love and laughter Bonnie brought into my life. Even in the midst of her troubles she thought of others and the struggles they may have been facing. In my previous life as an educator for CCCS she invited me into her classes to help her students learn practical math. We also shared lay speaking duties within the church. She also went with me on several Youth group trips with the proviso that Emily got to go as well. So long Bonnie, I’ll see you again in better days!
Bonnie was one of my oldest friends. We met in grade school and were never out of touch with each other ever since. Her family was like a second family to me, and many of my memories involve them. Bonnie and I could talk for hours, which we did one day in Findley Lake. We met with another classmate, Gail Howard, at a local restaurant. The three of us enjoyed a meal together and gabbed about our lives. Gail left us, but Bonnie and I stayed and talked. Time went by as the waitress cleared the table, but we continued to talk. Eventually we noticed that we were the only customers left in the place, and the staff were looking at us anxiously. So, we went out to the parking lot. Since it was a nice summer evening, we stood outside our cars and continued the visit. We didn’t stop until after the restaurant workers waved to us as they left for home.
Bonnie was one of the most upbeat people I have ever known. No matter what she was experiencing with her health issues, her communications were always positive and meant to cheer the recipient as much as to cheer herself. I will miss her more than I can say.
Mrs. Crichton was one of my favorite teachers. She was firm but you learned a lot from her. My son also had her and enjoyed her class. I have thought about her over the years . I saw her once at my job. My thoughts and prayers are with her family as they are going through this sorrowful time. May she rest in peace. God has been given an angel.
Dear Emily and family,
We wanted you to know that we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We didn’t know mom well but it certainly sounds like she accomplished so much good in her lifetime! What a blessing to so many and a gift to her loved ones! Prayers for strength, peace, and joy In the happy memories that that I’ll always live n in your hearts . With faith, we believe She is now with her Creator in a heavenly home continuing to do good and watch over those she loves on earth.
Love,
Mary Jo and Dave Dussault
Bonnie and I taught across the hall from each other at PCS until I left there after 5 years. She and Linda P saved me on many occasions my first year. I mourned the loss of her children with her. She is now reunited with them and her friend Linda. My sympathy to her husband and daughter.
Am is are was were have has had … Thanks for the laughs, Mrs. Crichton. You were a kind person.
Mrs. Crichton was one of my favorite teachers. She was truly a blessing. I looked forward to her class. My son also had her for a teacher. She was very firm in class but really was a sweetheart. She always was very positive. She will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers for the family of this amazing woman.
Bonnie and I first met in Suffolk Dormitory when we were freshmen together at Geneseo in the fall of 1967. Our lives intersected over the years and miles across the country, as we shared hopes and heartbreaks, challenges and triumphs.
Bonnie was an authentic soul; a good teacher, a take charge and get ‘er done person, a confidant, a supportive guide, one with an unwavering faith in God,
and a belief in the goodness of others.
Bonnie introduced me to working the breakfast shift at our dining hall. Faithfully, on Sundays when most students “slept in,” Bonnie would jump out of bed, get dressed, make sure she had a handkerchief and money for the offering in her coat pocket and take off to attend church.
She achieved her Master’s degree in four years (back then it took five), while working and taking classes. She scrimped and saved to seize the opportunity to accompany a Pastor and his family as their au pair, caring for their children while they traveled in Europe, making this dream also possible.
A year before my marriage, Bonnie married Peter Crichton, the love of her life. Together, they worked to achieve another dream, their homestead close to Conesus Lake. While dealing with childbearing issues, their prayers were answered when their daughter, Emily was born.
Teaching full time, and raising a child were not the only things Bonnie did. She became more involved with her church, and further developed her faith by becoming a Methodist Lay Minister.
Her illness slowed her down, but she never allowed herself to wallow in self-pity, nor interfere with her passion to be helpful to others. Recently, she shared with me, the beauty of spring daffodils in her front driveway that she could see from her window, and her wonder at the size of the tree which Emily had planted as a seed. This summer our phone calls were shorter and fewer,, as Bonnie spent more and more time in the hospital, re-hab, then the hospital again, before returning home to hospice. She did celebrate her birthday, amidst loved ones and friends.
Bonnie’s life was an example of goodness, service, faith and love. Bonnie’s friendship was extraordinary and beyond what anyone could imagine. We grieve and miss her, but are comforted that she peacefully rests in God’s loving arms.
Mrs. Chrichton was my English teacher and also my patient on several occasions. I always enjoyed talking with her and she always made you feel special. She would always update me on PCS news. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Chrichton and his daughter.
I can still diagram a sentence because of her dedication and passion for her students! One of the best! My heartfelt condolences to the family and please know she made a difference to this once shy and timid little girl.
I first knew Bonnie through Youth Fellowship at the Sherman Community Church. And she and her family were great supporters of the American Field Service program for international high school students. Bonnie has been involved in church and community projects ever since then. What a wonderful legacy.
Bonnie was a very dear friend and I value our time together while I grew in my spiritual learnings. I truly miss our talks, lunches and rousing games of Pitch. Whenever I saw her tooling around town in her trusted ‘Franklin’, no matter what season or time of day, she ALWAYS had a smile on her face. She will be sorely missed by me and our church family.
I am saddened to hear of Bonnie’s passing. I knew her for several years through the Lay Servant Ministries of the United Methodist Church. She was a remarkable and very memorable person. A wonderful leader and facilitator. Her loss is a great void for those of us left behind. But she is now with the Lord for eternity, and we look to meeting her again when the time comes. God Bless Bonnie!
Bonnie was an example of a true Christian, her faith and spirit were unfailing. She will live on in my heart forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May all the happy times you spent with Bonnie bring you peace and comfort. God be with you.
Sue & Gene
A very dedicated English teacher and Pavilion Central School. A strong strong woman.
I will truly miss my wonderful cousin Bonnie’s great smile . We had many happy times when I would go to Findley Lake in the summers. She is out of pain now . Love and will miss you Bonnie.
Bonnie was a dear friend. We spent many hours trying to meet the various needs of our church family and anyone who could benefit from our UMCL resources. So many times we would sit and chat at our fundraisers for “moving the church pipe organ.” Bonnie’s knitting and my corn bags and so many other crafts sold very well. Bonnie practically funded the radio service on Sundays at 8:00 am, which Gary and I greatly appreciate, as we tune in now each week. We will try to continue her caring ways. Bonnie was such an example for any Christian to follow.
Bonnie was a dear friend and mentor to many of us in Lay Servant Ministries of the UMC-UNYC. I was blessed to be able to consider her one of my spiritual “moms”. She will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to her family.
As a 1967 CCS classmate of Bonnie’s, I have many great memories of sleepovers, parties, and school activities. Always a smile, and a positive attitude. She was the first to volunteer, and a leader in everything she did.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family. May you find comfort in your memories at this difficult time.