Barbara "Bonnie" Hopper

GUILDERLAND- With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Barbara “Bonnie” Jeanne Hopper, 76, of Guilderland, who died peacefully at her home on Friday morning, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Saugerties, NY, Bonnie was the daughter of the late Fred Leonardi Sr. and Marilyn Burhans Leonardi and the wife of the late Donald Hopper. Bonnie is the cherished stepdaughter of Eleanor Leonardi of Colonie. She is the devoted mother of Bruce (Cheri) Bardin, Tonya (Richard) Maxstadt, and Michelle (Jim) Bardin Margeson. She shared her three beautiful children with Bruce Bardin, Sr. She is the cherished grandmother of Brittany, Chad, Devan, Lauren, Gavin, Haley, Victoria, and James. She is the oldest sister to Gary Leonardi (Tarja), Billy (Nancy) Susser, Larry Leonardi, Fred Leonardi Jr., Chris (Mario) Pantalone, and Diane (Paul) Buoni. Bonnie loved her many nieces and nephews, all of whom survived her.

Bonnie grew up in Albany and was a graduate of Guilderland High School. She worked hard as a waitress and bartender at both Western Turnpike Golf Course, Town & Country Lanes, and then at Crossgates Restaurant. Along the way, Bonnie established many close friendships that she held close to her heart. Bonnie found joy in the simple pleasures of life: reading a Stephen King novel, playing cards with her Western Turnpike “girls”, a round of golf with “Hoppy”, crossword puzzles, and the occasional cruise or visit to the casino. Bonnie’s memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

The family offers their sincere thanks and appreciation to the Eddy Pace Program and its support staff and her dear friends of the Day Program. Special thanks go to Dr. Kerry Ricker and Rebecca Morris for their unwavering support and exceptional care. The family is especially thankful for the loving presence of Bonnie’s devoted caregiver, whom she affectionately called her “Angel” — Angela Bombard. They are also profoundly grateful to Community Hospice, particularly Nikki “Sparkles” Saunders and Stephanie Slater whose kindness, compassion, and joyful spirits brought laughter, peace, and comfort to Bonnie and those who loved her. Their care went above and beyond in every way.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bonnie’s family on Wednesday from 4 to 7pm at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Colonie. Funeral services will be Thursday morning at 10:30 at the funeral home. Interment will be at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Community Hospice in Bonnie's memory. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com.