Bonnie Jean Allaire

Essex, VT – Bonnie Jean Allaire, 80, passed away peacefully at home on February 4th, 2024, surrounded by her family, after a courageous 16 year battle with breast cancer. Bonnie was the beloved wife of Levi Allaire and the incredibly loving mother of David, Laura, John, Paul, and Scott Allaire. Although we will forever miss her dearly, we are comforted in knowing that she is now in Heaven with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she dedicated her life to serve. There was no other person like her in the universe.

Born in Burlington, Vermont on August 13, 1943, and raised in Jericho, Bonnie was the loving daughter of Abbie and George Rice. Bonnie had many fond memories of her childhood years, which she regularly shared with all of us. She was the 4th oldest of 8 children (Diane, Nancy, Karen, (Bonnie), Melody, Linda, Mary Paula, and Eric Rice). Babysitting came naturally for Bonnie with her motherly instinct, as she helped care for her younger siblings and neighborhood kids when she was growing up. Her mother, Abbie, was Bonnie's role model. She always admired her mom's strength, courage, wisdom, love, and most importantly, her faith. These same traits that she so admired in her mother, she also embodied and sought to pass onto her children and grandchildren. Bonnie spoke fondly of her mom often, and was amazed & inspired by her mom's ability to raise 8 children alone.

Mom and Dad were married on May 19, 1962, at the ripe old age of 19 & 20. Mom and Dad were high school sweethearts and started dating their sophomore year. Upon their high school graduation in 1961, they both enlisted in the US Army and were married the following year. Shortly thereafter, Dad went overseas for his military assignment. After their military service, Mom and Dad started a family, having 5 children in a 7 year period. Mom then dedicated her life to raising her children and grandchildren, as well as taking in two of her elderly aunts whom she cared for until their passing. Mom and Dad were great for each other. Their love was evidenced by their 62+ years of marriage. Our parents have always said that marriage is work and not easy, but you have to work on any marriage. They were there for each other through thick and thin, and they are both such an inspiration to us all.

Mom's love, affection, and dedication to her family was inspirational, and her faith in the Lord was unwavering. Upon learning of the sudden passing of our brother Paul, Mom responded "I know where Paul is". This was evidence of her absolute conviction in God. Her kind, loving, gentle soul made mom who she was. Caring for others was mom's gift to the world and her number one priority. She would choose, and cherish, babysitting her grandchildren rather than taking a vacation. She would regularly volunteer to watch one or several of her 13 grandchildren so that her children could enjoy a night out with their spouse. Her family was her life, and she was the most selfless person we have ever known. Decisions and advice was always based on what was right, not what was easier or better for her. Mom was known by many as the one who "had just the right words at the right time." She loved it when we would all get together, whether it was just to chat and catch up, hang out around the pool, or for an impromptu cookout. Hers and Dad's home was host to hundreds of holiday gatherings, summertime barbeques, pool parties, and birthday celebrations. Mom was never too busy to lend an ear, give support, or just talk about our day, recent experiences, or upcoming events. Everyone always had an open invitation to swing by our childhood home, or to call day or night just to say hi or to have an in-depth conversation with her. Any time spent with mom was a learning experience, for a child or an adult. Her wisdom and lessons were life changing.

Mom led a life that was focused solely on helping others, and bringing faith, love, joy, encouragement, and hope to other people's lives. Although mom would describe her life as simple, her level of dedication and self-sacrifice to put others' needs before her own made it anything but simple. Mom would often comment on a particularly beautiful view, sunrise, sunset, or other wonders of nature. She was always the optimist, no matter the circumstances.

In addition to her husband, Levi, Bonnie is survived by her children and their spouses; David (Melissa) Allaire of Essex, VT; Laura (Chris) LaBonte of Sanford, NC; John (Christine) Allaire of Williston, VT; daughter in-law Krista Allaire of Essex, VT; and Scott (Nonna) Allaire of Essex, VT, as well as her siblings. She is predeceased by her parents, and forever loving son, Paul. Bonnie was the most loving grandma of Marlo and Claudia Allaire; Jacob and Emma Allaire; Caleb, Mikayla, Zachary, and Cody LaBonte; Joshua and Nicholas Allaire; Ian, Evelyn, and "Little" Levi Allaire

A heartfelt "thank you" to family, friends and the community for your out-pouring of support, caring letters, phone calls, and encouragement during this challenging time. A very special thank you to the UVM Home Hospice team that were so loving and caring with all of their assistance.

Services will be private. A larger celebration of Bonnie's life will be planned for this Spring/Summer. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bonnie's honor can be made to the McClure Miller Respite House or the UVM Breast Care Center, both of which have touched our families.