Bonnie L. (Richards) Coleman

Bonnie Richards Coleman, 76 of Athens, PA passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025,
surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, friendship, and unwavering
kindness.
Born to Ellsworth Richards (Gladys) and Beatrice Richards, Bonnie was raised in the
Sayre, Pennsylvania area and graduated from Sayre Area High School in the Class of
1966. She built a life marked by hard work, strong relationships, and a deep
commitment to her family.
Bonnie spent many years working at the Iron Kettle Inn and General Shelters, and later
at Newberry’s in Sayre, where she formed cherished, lifelong friendships. She
eventually concluded her career at Bradford County Daycare, retiring with even more
dear friends by her side.
A devoted member of St. James Trinity Church in Waverly, NY, Bonnie found joy in
simple pleasures—dancing, music, and a fiercely competitive game of shuffleboard.
She was also an avid online shopper, a talent her loved ones often teased her
about—“Boy oh boy, could that girl shop!” she would often hear with a laugh. A natural
storyteller, Bonnie could entertain for hours with tales from her past and always looked
forward to her retirement luncheons with “the girls,” relishing every moment spent in
their company.
Bonnie was predeceased by her father, Ellsworth Richards of Waverly, NY (1996); her
mother, Beatrice Richards of Laporte, PA (1996); her stepmother, Gladys Richards of
Athens, PA; her brother, William Richards of North Carolina (2018); and her beloved
dogs, Herbie and Trooper.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, John Coleman; her loving
daughter Gina (Jim) Hyjek of Sayre; and her cherished granddaughter, Kambrya Mosier
of Athens. She also leaves behind many extended family members who meant the
world to her: sister-in-law Tina Stedge of Waverly; David and Priscilla Coleman of
Waverly; Patti and George Goodwin of Newfield, NY; Jim Coleman of Waverly; Kathy and
Manley Frisbie of Fort Morgan, CO; Dick and Sandy Coleman of Waverly; and Mary
Theresa Coleman of Florida. She will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews,
and close friends, including Joe and Diane Ennis of Sayre, Ric and Linda Boehm of
Waverly, Debra Stowell of Sayre, and Sharon Lovell of Waverly, and Teresa Sykes,
Sayre, PA.
Family graveside services will be held at Tioga Point Cemetery on Friday, May 9, 2025,
at 11:00 a.m. A celebration of Bonnie’s life will follow on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at
11:00 a.m. at Kinsman Hall on Front Street in Athens, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Bonnie’s memory to
the local SPCA or to the Sayre Rehabilitation Center—two causes close to her heart.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of The Thomas Cremation and Funeral Service.

Those wishing to leave a message for Bonnie's family may do so at thomascremationfuneralservice.com

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