Sr. Margaret Bonville, CSJ

Sister Margaret Bonville, CSJ

Sister Margaret Bonville (Sister Margaret Thomas) died on February 20, 2025, at her residence, Teresian House, Albany, New York.  Sister Margaret, the daughter of Horace Bonville and Mary Sauve Bonville, was born on October 13, 1925, in Cache Bay, Ontario, Canada.   Margaret was one of four daughters and  three sons.  The family came to Watervliet, New York when Margaret was very young.  She attended Saint Brigid’s School in Watervliet and graduated from Catholic Central High School, Troy, New York.

In September 1944, Margaret entered the Sisters of Saint Joseph at Saint Joseph’s Seminary, Troy, New York. In writing of her desire to enter the community, her pastor, Msgr. James Hanrahan, spoke of her development into a studious and devout gentlewoman.  She pronounced her first vows March 19, 1947, and made her final profession in August,1950.  She completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education at the College of Saint Rose, Albany and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Mount St. Joseph Teachers College, Buffalo, New York and also received Certification in School Administration.

Sister Margaret spent many years teaching in the elementary schools in the Albany and Syracuse dioceses and served as principal at St. Anthony’s School, Endicott.  She brought her rich classroom experience to her ministry as one of the charter faculty members of the School for the Disabled in Albany. She continued serving in a variety of support services for schools and parishes after leaving full-time classroom teaching.  In 1989 Sister Margaret returned to St. Joseph’s Provincial House where she participated in many activities serving the sisters.  In 2009 she retired at the Provincial House and lived there until moving to Teresian House in 2023.

In addition to her parents, Sister Margaret was predeceased by her sisters Cele O’Connell and Maura Bonville and her brothers Joseph, John, and James. Her memory is cherished by her sister, Marie Bonville and her niece, Marygrace Frank, her nephew John Bonville as well as by the Sisters of St. Joseph . We are grateful for the many caregivers at St. Joseph’s Provincial House and Teresian House who provided such loving care,

Sister Margaret’s life will be celebrated as she wished in her funeral liturgy on Tuesday, February 25 at 10:30 in St. Joseph’s Provincial House.  Contributions in Sister’s memory may be made to:  Office of Mission Development, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sr. Margaret Bonville, CSJ, please visit our floral store.