Bonnie J. Bauder

Forestport- Bonnie J. Bauder, 79, of North Lake Road, widow of Earl, passed away peacefully at her residence on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Bonnie was born in Newburgh, NY, on March 23, 1946, a daughter of Harry and Florence Crespo Palen. For ten years, while growing up, she lived in Louisiana, before moving with her family to the Utica area, where she graduated from Whitesboro High School, with the Class of 1964. Thereafter she was employed at General Electric of Utica, where she met her future husband.

On June 6, 1970, Bonnie was united in marriage with Earl D. Bauder, at St. Paul’s Church, Whitesboro. Following, the couple made their home, which Earl had constructed, beginning as a camp, on the North Lake Road in Forestport.

In 1980, Bonnie and Earl purchased Sommer’s Store at Forestport Station, which they operated for twenty six years, naming their business, Bonnie’s Country Store, which became a Forestport area icon. Bonnie’s featured a wide variety of outdoor sporting and camping goods, penny candy, other general store merchandise and groceries, in addition to a deli. Bonnie’s was known for their Mousenificent Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Bonnie became famous for her homemade potato and macaroni salads. In 2006, the couple sold the store and retired.

A member of the Catholic Faith, Bonnie attended St. Patrick’s Church, Forestport. While her children were growing up, Bonnie enjoyed participating in outdoor wintertime activities. She enjoyed many happy trips to the Turning Stone Casino and especially looked forward to going to Point Place Casino in Bridgeport. She reveled in a lively card game of Kansas City Rummy, and playing dice games, with her brother Jerry and sister in law, Laurie and family. She also enjoyed painting ceramics with Kristen and friends. Bonnie loved feeding and watching birds and wildlife in her back yard. Bonnie also enjoyed going for rides in the side by side with Tina and Matt.

In addition, Bonnie enjoyed traveling. She saved for many years with the goal of taking her family on a trip to Hawaii, which is fondly remembered as “their trip of a lifetime.” For many years, Bonnie and Earl enjoyed making many road trips to the south; visiting Florida, Myrtle Beach, and Louisiana, where they visited family. Annual camping trips to the Thousand Islands, and boating on the St. Lawrence created long lasting memories for the family.

Bonnie is survived by two daughters, Tina Stevens and her husband, Matt, Forestport, Kristen Bauder, Lancaster, NY. Bonnie and Earl were devoted grandparents, who enjoyed their granddaughters, Graycee, Abby Olds, bonus granddaughters Susan and Barbara (Corey) and two bonus great grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers, Harry Palen, Forestport, Lawrence Palen, Bridgwater and Jerry Palen (Laurie), Forestport, and sister-in-law Lori Palen and her family of Poland, NY. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Bonnie was predeceased by her husband, Earl, on October 17, 2018 and by her parents, Harry and Florence Palen.

Visitation hours are Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. Graveside services will be in the Spring, in Beechwood Cemetery, Forestport. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beechwood Cemetery, P.O. Box 2, Forestport, NY 13338.