Bonnie Elizabeth Pfister

Bonnie Elizabeth Pfister, of Palmetto, Florida, and formerly of Watertown, New York, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her three loving children while under the care of hospice. 

She was born on March 3, 1943, in Watertown, New York, daughter of Donald and Ruth (Daines) Traynor. Bonnie married William Joseph Pfister on April 8, 1981, at Holy Family Church, with Reverend Eugene Beaudet officiating. 

Bonnie began her professional journey at Key Bank in Watertown before opening her own childcare facility. She nurtured countless children, treating them as her own. Her retirement from childcare didn’t stop her passion for caring; she continued to be a devoted caretaker to her beloved husband, William, for many years. 

Bonnie enjoyed crocheting, painting, diamond dots, and teaching one-stroke paint classes in her community park in Palmetto, Florida. She was actively involved in her park community, serving on the board of directors as the secretary, treasurer, booking the clubhouse and writing the park newsletter.  Bonnie found joy in simple pleasures like playing cards with family and friends, taking day trips to the beach with her husband, and reveling in the beauty of Florida sunsets. In their younger years, Bonnie and William shared a passion for dancing, often following their favorite band to various venues. She had a huge heart for all the kids in the neighborhood as if they were her own children and her door was always open to them all.

Bonnie is survived by her children, William T.  Pfister and Michael J. Pfister, of Palmetto, FL  , Patti Anne Pfister and Nichole Vogel, of Watertown, NY. She is also survived by her brother, Bruce Traynor, of Longwood, FL, and her bonus grandchildren, Shannon Soules (Derek), Jack William Soules, Alicia Loomis, and her son Daxten, as well as numerous cherished friends in her Florida community. 

Besides her beloved husband, William Joseph Pfister who died November 19, 2020, Bonnie was preceded in death by her brother William Traynor, her parents Donald and Ruth Traynor, and her daughter-in-law Kelly Oatman. 

A Celebration of Life for Bonnie and William Pfister  will be held at the Rustic Tavern Golf Course 16451 County Road 59, Dexter, New York, on July 27 from 2 to 6 p.m. All who knew and loved Bonnie are welcome to attend. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, a charity close to Bonnie’s heart. Online condolences can be shared at www.hartandbrucefh.com.

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