In Memory of  Lois "Bonnie" V Gambee

GAMBEE - Bonnie (nee Ford)

January 15, 2025

Bonnie Gambee passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter on January 15th, 2025. Born and raised in South Buffalo then later settled in the Town of Evans in 1958. Loving wife of the late William A. Gambee. Wonderful, loving mother of the late Donald R., Robert (Carrie), Debra, William Jr., Susan (Frederick/Rocky) Wilhelm, Lisa (Michael) Guenot, Linda (Ric) Gambee-Zybert, and Michelle (John) Ciciera. Also survived by 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Daughter of the late Robert and Olive Ford. Bonnie was a lifelong swimmer, lifeguard, and WSI who taught all her children, grandchildren, and many others in the WNY area to swim for over 40 years. She had several careers, first in banking and then in the field of social work starting at OLV in the Infant Home then as the Director of Group Homes for OLV, followed by becoming a training specialist for the NYS Training Institute, and lastly taking a position as Director of Counseling at Hilbert College from which she retired in order to travel with her husband of 58 years. Bonnie continued her private practice, which she had started in the 1990s, until her husband became seriously ill.  She volunteered for many organizations such as the American Red Cross, First Church of Evans (numerous boards), Evans Little Loop, Fresh Air Fund, SOS, and Habitat for Humanity.  The family will be present for visitation at Latimore Schiavone Funeral Home, 8434 North Main Angola, NY on Thursday, January 30 from 3-7 pm. Family and friends are invited to gather for a "Celebration of Life" service to be  held Saturday, February 1st at 10 am, at the First Church of Evans. Flowers gratefully declined; memorials may be made to the American Red Cross ZAC Foundation, which works to prevent drowning by teaching water safety