October 13, 1925 – February 21, 2025
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Margaret Bonville (Sister Margaret Thomas), who passed away on February 21, 2025, at her residence, Teresian House, Albany, New York.
Sister Margaret, the daughter of Horace and Mary (Sauve) Bonville, was born on October 13, 1925, in Cache Bay, Ontario, Canada. Margaret was one of four daughters and three sons. When Margaret was very young, the family came to Watervliet, New York. She attended Saint Brigid’s School in Watervliet and graduated from Catholic Central High School, in Troy, New York.
In September 1944, Margaret entered the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet at Saint Joseph’s Seminary in 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 on March 19, 1947, and made her final profession in August 1950. She completed a bachelor’s of science degree in elementary education at The College of Saint Rose in Albany and a master’s degree in special education from Mount St. Joseph Teachers College in Buffalo, New York. She also received certification in school administration.
Sister Margaret spent many years teaching in elementary schools in the Albany and Syracuse dioceses and served as principal at St. Anthony’s School in Endicott, New York. She brought her rich classroom experience to her ministry as one of the charter faculty members of the School for the Disabled in Albany. After leaving full-time classroom teaching, she continued serving in various support services for schools and parishes. In 1989, Sister Margaret returned to St. Joseph’s Provincial House where she participated in many activities serving the sisters. In 1999, 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; her niece, Marygrace Frank; her nephew, John Bonville; as well as by the Sisters of St. Joseph and the many caregivers at St. Joseph’s Provincial House and Teresian House who provided such loving care.
We will celebrate Sister Margaret’s life as she wished in her funeral liturgy on Tuesday, February 25 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Provincial House. Contributions in Sister Margaret’s memory may be made to the Office of Mission Development, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110 or donate online.