Bonnie Mae Barnes

Bonnie M. Barnes passed away peacefully, Wednesday November 11, 2026, in Schenectady. Bonnie was born October 6, 1934 in Pennsylvania, the second child of the late Doris and Charlton Ward Cobb. She grew up in Johnson City, NY and graduated from the Wilson Hospital School of Nursing in 1955. Bonnie was proud to be a registered nurse, and provided compassionate care to patients at both Ellis and Amsterdam Memorial hospitals over the years. At Amsterdam Memorial she served as the charge nurse on the geriatric unit. She had a special gift for working with senior adults and loved caring for her patients. She also filled in as the school nurse at Duanesburg High School, and assisted at many blood drives, and blood pressure clinics.

On May 19, 1956, Bonnie married Earl L. Barnes in Chenango Bridge. Bonnie and Earl shared a uniquely close and loving relationship that lasted until his passing in 2022. In 1960, Bonnie and Earl moved their young, growing family to Burtonville. They had just one car, so while Earl was at work, Bonnie had her hands full trying to corral what became four active children. She was feisty and determined, however, and became very adept at shooing them outside to play so she could get a few moments of peace. She did this only after they completed all their chores, of course. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, attending countless school concerts, sporting events and other activities. In addition to family, she was a voracious reader, enjoyed puzzles, knitting and baking. She sent countless boxes of her homemade cookies to her grandchildren for holidays and as care packages while they were away at college. Each box was lovingly wrapped, as Bonnie had a thing for scotch tape. As for her knitted mittens, all the kids and grandkids have them, as well as many to whom she donated.

Bonnie was a very kind and generous soul, who shunned the limelight. She will be remembered with love and affection by friends and family alike. She gave generously of her time and talents, and volunteered with the Burtonville Volunteer Fire Department, Quaker Street Library, and Senior Meals. She was an active member of the Esperance-Sloansville United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women.

Bonnie will be deeply missed by her children: David Barnes (Lynn), Lori Barnes (Jim Clark), Kari Mullin (Patrick), and Mary Powers (Joe). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Matt, Chris, Eric, Jane, Gavin, Logan, Krystal, Joseph, Zaidee, Ariel, Leandra and Quentin; as well as 19 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Earl, her parents, her brother and sister-in-law, Charlton Henry Cobb and Edna Cobb, and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, June and Louis Finsel, Jr.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 27th at 1 pm at the Esperance-Sloansville United Methodist Church, 175 Main Street, Esperance, NY 12066. Memorial donations may be made to the church at PO Box 254, Esperance, NY 12066. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of White-VanBuren Funeral Home. Condolences can be posted at whitevanburenfuneralhome.com.