Bonnie L. (Cunningham) Bell

AUGUSTA – Bonnie L. (Cunningham) Bell, 70, passed away on Nov. 10, 2022, at Maine General Medical Center after a courageous battle with lung cancer; her loving husband was at her side holding her hand every step of the way. She is the faithful and dedicated wife of William J. Bell, Jr., with whom she shared 51 years of marriage.

Bonnie was born in Gardiner, Maine on April 2, 1952. She is the daughter of the late Clinton W. Cunningham, Jr. and Romayne (Cooper) Cunningham. Bonnie grew up in Augusta. She and Billy lived in Chelsea where they raised their children, later returning to Augusta living lakeside on Togus Pond.

Bonnie graduated from Cony High School in 1970. In her early years, she worked at First National where she met the love of her life, Billy, and later began a long career at Togus VA where she remained for 34 years before her retirement. After a brief respite, Bonnie began working per diem for the Augusta School Department Nutrition Program for the next 11 years. In 2021, Bonnie finally hung up her apron and began enjoying her retirement to its fullest.

Bonnie enjoyed living a relatively simple life, but the love she had for her family was immeasurable beyond words.

Her true devotion was preparing meals to share with her family, always doing all of the cooking on her own not enlisting the help from them to contribute or help clean up after – “I have all day tomorrow to clean and put things away.” Her favorite cookies to make for the grandkids were snickerdoodles and she had a pot of grease on the stove ready at a moment’s notice to make a batch of homemade French-fries. She had a passion for sewing, making quilts for her children and grandchildren; she enjoyed her many flower gardens; was always ready with a brush to help her kids with any painting project; when it was time to rest and relax, she loved catching up on social media, watching LMN, or indulging in her favorite horror movie. Bonnie’s affection for her dogs was unlike any other. Her dogs were always so devoted to her and she to them, inseparable to the point that they wouldn’t eat or go outside without her. They sensed her undying love for them, and they were unconditionally loyal to her in return.

Bonnie was predeceased by her parents, Clinton and Romayne Cunningham, and her brother, Robert H. Cunningham.

Bonnie is survived by her husband, Billy, and their three children and their families; her daughter Robin Dostie and husband Gerald of Augusta, their two children Michayla (Dostie) Moore and husband Anthony, and great-grandson, Ethan; Corbin Dostie; her daughter Jennifer Campbell and husband Anthony of Augusta, their two children Devin Campbell and wife Morgan, and great-grandson, Taycen; Riley Campbell and wife Madison, and a great-grandson arriving in December, Daxton; her son William J. Bell, III and wife Beth of Sidney, their three children Alyssa, Samantha, and Trenton. She is also survived by her brother Clinton “Bill” Cunningham, III and wife Diane of Windsor; her sister Beryl Morrissette and husband Anthony of Augusta; and her sister-in-law Sylvia Cunningham of Chelsea and several nieces and nephews.

In honoring Bonnie’s wishes there will be no visitation. A graveside committal service will be held at Rest Haven Cemetery in the spring of 2023. A specific day and time will be posted at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church Street, Augusta where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bonnie’s memory may be made to the Kennebec Valley Humane Society,

20 Pethaven Lane,

Augusta, ME 04330.