Mrs. Bonnie (Foley) Richards

UTICA – Mrs. Bonnie (Foley) Richards, age 74, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, November 21, 2021, while holding the hands of her beloved son and daughter. Bonnie was born in Utica on September 18, 1947, to the late Alfred L. “Tody” and Ruth (Lerch) Foley. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1966. At one time, Bonnie was married to Joseph Laurer, and to that relationship came the blessing of her two cherished children. On October 8, 1994, Bonnie proceeded to marry the love of her life, Charles G. “Charlie” Richards. The couple shared 22 years together, prior to his passing on March 9, 2017. Bonnie and Charlie were blessed with a great love and bonded by their many common interests. A stay-at-home mom, Bonnie committed to selfless service of those she loved most. Hard-working, determined, and dependable, she always tended to her children’s needs, and her daughter and son boast many fond memories of Bonnie’s attending to them. The family was constantly blessed by her provision, whether it be through her home-cooked meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or from her prudent frugality. Bonnie was known for being reserved with finances and was such a devoted saver that could stretch a dollar in more ways than would seem humanly possible! However, she never held back when it came to the holidays or the grandchildren; in her heart, there were no monetary limits on spoiling them. Bonnie also knew the labors of hard work, having been an associate of the Millbrook Bread Company for numerous years at their Marcy and New Hartford retail stores. Lastly, she held numerous positions at Clifford’s Convenience Store on Culver Ave. After Bonnie’s retirement, her most important priority was to be with her grandchildren. For years, she met them after school and made sure they had a snack and completed their homework – all while Judge Judy played in the background – and she only bribed them with candy when absolutely necessary. Back in the day, Bonnie enjoyed Sunday dinners with the family followed by the card game Pinochle. She would often share her wit with family and friends, which was delivered with sarcasm in perfect “Foley Fashion” – a family trait. When she was not attending to her family’s needs, Bonnie could be found participating in any one of her varied interests. She loved being outside in her garden, where her green thumb produced enough vegetables to share. Additionally, Bonnie delighted in crocheting and knitting. She invested time to make blankets, scarves, thick mittens, baby items, and even Barbie attire for those she loved. Those privileged recipients of Bonnie’s crocheted blankets are fortunate to be able to remember her by wrapping themselves in this tangible expression of her love. Bonnie possessed a special admiration for the outdoors, which was seen when the kids were young, and the family would go camping and fishing. However, her delight in the outdoors is especially remembered in the wonderful adventures at Raquette Lake in the Adirondacks. There, Bonnie, and Charlie would spend pleasant weekends from the spring to the fall; Bonnie relished her time there, feeding chipmunks from her hands! Bonnie believed in the Lord and prayed countless blessings over her family and their life. Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Wendy Rizza and Dan Briggs; her son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Terry Laurer; her step-children, Michael Richards, Amy Elizabeth Richards, and Meg and Daniel Mulvihill. Bonnie will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren, Gianna Rizza; Joey Laurer, Cameron Laurer, and Jordan Laurer; as well as her siblings, John Foley and his wife Mary Duetchman, Joyce Williams, Joseph Foley, Jeffrey Foley, and Gail and Rick Hamilton. Bonnie held in her heart the memory of her brother, Francis Foley, who preceded her. She also leaves behind her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and in-laws, Carol and Leo Kloczkowski, and Connie Epolito. Bonnie was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, John and Louise (Benson) Foley; as well as her maternal grandparents, Frank and Mary (Jones) Lerch. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all who cared for Bonnie, allowing them to keep her home as long as possible. A special note of love to her sister, Joyce, her brother, Jeff, and aides, Megan, Diana, and Cindy, who kept a watchful eye upon her. They could not have done it without them. It would be pleasing to Bonnie’s memory if you would consider donating to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., online at https://hospicecareinc.org/donate-online. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Bonnie’s Funeral Service, which will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery on December 2, 2021, at 2:00 PM. “There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in our hearts.”

Mrs. Bonnie (Foley) Richards

September 18, 1947 - November 21, 2021