Veronica “Bonnie” Reilly Ward
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Greece – Passed away on March 21, 2025 at age 89.
Bonnie was born on 14 December 1935 to James Ivan Reilly and Maria Susie Ras. She grew up on a farm on Buckman Road in Greece, New York. Bonnie married Robert Charles Ward on 16 June 1956 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Greece and celebrated 63 years together.
She is predeceased by her parents, husband Robert Ward, and sister Ione Reilly Newman. Survived by her children, Jo Ann (Jeffrey) Snyder, Teresa (Thomas) Harvey, Beth Ward, and Bill (Kristine) Ward; grandchildren, Dr. Amy Cassano, Kaitlin Stone, Sarah Cole, Alaina Snyder, Christi Currie, Hillary Snyder, and Jill Cole; great-grandchildren, Cedric and Brenden Buell, Parker and Logan Cole, Clara and Samuel Stone, and Cole and Olivia Currie and Atreus Jackson; sister-in-laws, Sister Kathleen Ward, RSM and Jean Ward; her long-time friend, caretaker, and nurse Linda Gardner and aide Wendy Lasch; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. We would like to thank the 4200 Unit at Unity Hospital and the Hildebrandt Hospice Center for caring for her on her final journey.
Bonnie worked at the Kodak office and after having children, worked at home proofing and typing manuscripts. Later, she worked as an office administrator for Advanced Mold. She was coach and organizer of the New York State 4-H Hippology (Horse Knowledge) Program for over 20 years, with the New York state team being national champions every year but one during her tenure. She was proud of her heritage, with her mother being a Dutch immigrant arriving from Holland in 1912. Her father’s family were town of Greece pioneers, arriving in Monroe County from Ireland in the1830s, and her father’s maternal line arrived from Germany in the 1850s.
Bonnie enjoyed gardening and maintained a beautiful home garden. She also enjoyed travel, her winters in Florida, Walnut Hill, reading, and doing puzzles.
Her family was her greatest happiness and joy. All the holidays were celebrated at her home in Greece: first with her own children, then with grandchildren, and more recently with her great-grandchildren. The annual Easter egg hunt in her backyard was a favorite, not only for Bonnie but for every child that got to experience it.
Friends may call Tuesday (March 25th) 4-7 PM Vay-Schleich & Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Road, where her Prayer Service will be held following calling at 7:00 PM. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Bonnie was a special person, one loved by all especially her daughters followed by her grandchildren and now great grand children. She lived a full life and she will be missed. My condolences to the family.
My condolences to the family. She will always be in your hearts. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
We’re so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful memorial page. Praying for peace to be with you through this time of grief. We love you.
Hello Joanne. Paul, Sterling and I just learned of this, as we have been out of town till today. So sorry to hear of your loss, and we are praying for you and your extended family at this time. Love to all!
I am so sorry for your loss. It is a very difficult and surreal experience to go through losing a parent. Her loss will be felt deeply by everyone that knew and loved her. Cherish your many years of memories and traditions you were all blessed to share with her for so many years and rely on your strong loving family circle to help navigate through your grief and mourning.
I have such wonderful memories of Aunt Bonnie and visiting at Christmas when we were young. Your family was such a wonderful support to her always but especially these last few years. We are sad to be missing her celebration of life as we are out of town, but you are all in our thoughts and prayers!