Bonita Marie “Bon Bon” Cummings, 65, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, in Berlin, Vt. Born on November 26, 1959, in Burlington, Vt., Bonnie lived a life defined by resilience, generosity and an unwavering positive spirit that left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
A proud graduate of Winooski High School, Bonnie went on to serve her country with distinction in the Vermont Army National Guard as part of Company D, 50th Medical Division. Her time in the military was just one example of her lifelong commitment to service and strength.
Bonnie’s professional journey was as diverse and unique as her personality. She drove buses and taught children to swim as director of Summer Girls Camp through Burlington Boys & Girls Club. She worked at IBM, Ricoh and Ubeo as a printer technician while simultaneously dedicating herself to helping others through her work at multiple homeless shelters across Vermont. Whether in a corporate setting or on the front lines of community support, Bonnie brought the same fierce dedication, compassion and relational approach to every role she held. Her customers, oncology staff and all who met her loved her. To know her was to not be a stranger to Bon.
She was a woman who could fix anything — literally and figuratively. Known for her ability to come up with a solution to all broken things, Bonnie was the go-to person when something needed mending. Her hands were always busy — whether repairing what was broken or reaching out to help someone in need.
Bonnie’s love for the outdoors was legendary. She found joy in fishing, hunting, swimming and adventuring with her beloved partner, Tina Bleau. These moments spent in nature were among her happiest — filled with laughter, exploration and connection. She also cherished quiet times reading or simply being surrounded by friends and family.
To those who knew her best, Bonnie was “Honest Bon” — raw and hardheaded, with a heart as big as the sky. Her colorful language often came wrapped around words of wisdom or fierce loyalty. She had a constant smile and an unmatched willingness to give the shirt off her back. Bonnie didn’t need accolades; she let her actions speak volumes. From a young age, she paved the way for other women through sheer determination and quiet strength. And damn, what a softball player she was!
Bonnie is survived by her daughters, Sophia and Maya Kotkes-Cummings; her partner, Tina Bleau; brothers John Cummings, Bernie Cummings (Linda), Robin Cummings (Lisa) and Glenn Cummings (Ronalynn); sisters, Cindy Parizo (Homer) and Judy Reed (Damon); sister-in-law Sue Cummings; Tina’s children, Jacob and Nick Bleau (mother truckers); and nieces and nephews too numerous to mention — each of whom adored their “coolest aunt ever.”
She was predeceased by her brother Dan Cummings and parents, Anita and Bernie Cummings.
A big thanks to the staff at Central Vermont Medical Center Oncology/Hematology, nurses/doctors at CVMC medical, her family, Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, and Vermont Forest Cemetery staff, for loving her through and brightening our lives through such a hard time. To Doctor Ospina, she loved you, and you fought hard with her.
May the memory of Bonita Marie “Bon Bon (Aunt Bon Bon), Mummy, Nob, Nerdy Nerd, Bon Seron and My Big, Big Love” Cummings bring comfort to those who loved her and inspiration to all who carry forward her legacy of honesty, strength and boundless generosity. A burial will be held on October 9, 2025, 11 a.m. to noon, at Vermont Forest Cemetery, 750 Beaver Meadow Rd., Roxbury VT. Reception to follow at Bon and Tina’s home. A celebration of life will happen at a later date, where stories will be shared, laughter will echo, and memories will be honored — as she would have wanted.
From the Huntington Town Clerk and the staff in our office:
We were so sorry to have Bonnie tell us of her illness, as we loved seeing her in the office. Although she merely said she hadn’t been feeling well and was taking some time off for treatment, it felt like a final goodbye. Her obituary, well-written and informative, really described her personality and technical talents so well. We have missed seeing her here and please know that to us, too, she was a bright star.
God’s blessing on you all. I will keep you in my prayers.