Marilyn “Bonnie” Machia, 80, of South Burlington, Vt., passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, after a courageous 10-year battle with cancer.
Born on April 21, 1945, in Winthrop, Mass., Bonnie was the daughter of the late George S. and Grace Hall Gibby. She grew up in West Topsham, Vt., and embodied the independent spirit of true rural Vermont. A graduate of the University of Vermont, class of 1967, Bonnie earned her degree in music education. A lifelong educator, she devoted much of her professional life to the Winooski School District, where her passion for music and deep commitment to her students left a lasting impact.
Beyond the classroom, she was the visionary founder of the Machia Wilderness Camp in Milton, Vt., which is dedicated to providing opportunities for young people to connect with nature and develop their outdoor skills. The camp continues her mission of teaching self-reliance, environmental stewardship and a deep respect for the natural world.
Bonnie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Larry Machia, whom she married in 1996. She had two children with the late Kevin Fahey and was predeceased by her son Sean Fahey. She is survived by her son Jon Fahey. She is also survived by her three stepchildren (all of whom she considered her true family), Joelle Francour, Julie Runez and Shaun Machia, as well as her brothers, Grant Gibby of West Topsham and Curt Gibby of Spring, Texas. She leaves behind numerous and beloved step-grandchildren, cousins and many dear friends.
An enthusiastic gardener, Bonnie was a certified master gardener with the University of Vermont Extension Service. She was an active member of the Faith United Methodist Church, where she sang joyfully in the choir.
Bonnie will be remembered for her warm heart, adventurous spirit, fierce determination and independent strength. The lives she touched through music, education and the wilderness will carry her legacy forward, heard in the songs sung around campfires and held in the memories of all she mentored and inspired.
Services will be held on Saturday, August 9, 10 a.m., at Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset St., South Burlington, VT. A catered reception will occur directly after services. All are welcome.
This article appears in The Connections Issue.