Bonnie Ethel Varno, of Plattsburgh, NY, passed away on September 20, 2026, at the age of 95. She was born on July 16, 1931, in her childhood home on the banks of the Salmon River to her late parents, Heman Lloyd Stoughton and Ethel Isabel Smith.

Upon graduation from Peru High School, Bonnie went to work as a secretary for the Clinton County Civil Service Commission. She was an active volunteer in the Plattsburgh community, serving on the South Plattsburgh Fire Department Auxiliary for over 20 years, becoming a “Den Mother” for the Peru Boy Scout Troop, and a member of the National Volunteer Ski Patrol at Beartown Ski Center and Pale Face Mountain Ski Center, where she helped instill the love of skiing in all of her children. Bonnie became President of the South Plattsburgh Cemetery Association and placed American Flags on military graves every Memorial Day until she was well into her eighties.

She joined the “Stop DWI” and zoning boards for the Town of Plattsburgh and held the title of an Election Inspector for the South Plattsburgh District from 1969 through 2012. The latter a job she took very seriously.

Bonnie’s greatest loves were her family, gardening, feeding the birds and singing. She was a member of the Champlain Valley Sweet Adeline Chorus for over 50 years. Her passion was four-part harmony, barbershop style and sang in the quartets; The Georgie Girls, Northern Airs and Speciality of the House. She often sang locally and was known for her singing telegrams on Valentines Day with the Sweet Adeline’s and at Santa’s Workshop during the holiday season.

In addition to her parents, she is pre-deceased by her husband, Reginald Karl Downs who was her childhood sweetheart and love of her life, her cherished second husband, James Varno whom shared her joy of music and singing and, her beloved sister Martha Rae Santor.

Survivors include her children, Kevin Downs and his partner Karen Starkey-Nunez of Colorado, Scott Downs and wife Karen of Vermont and, Lisa Reisdorf and husband Jeffrey of Florida.

Four grandchildren, Kerry Parish and husband Kevin of South Carolina, Erin Johnson and partner Paul Linden of Vermont, Joshua Downs of Vermont and Corey Downs and wife Jill of Florida.

She also leaves behind niece Julie Burdo and husband Gordon of Plattsburgh, and nephew Ronald Santor and wife Gail of Plattsburgh as well as a great-niece and two great-nephews and six great grandchildren.

There will be no calling hours. There will be a private graveside ceremony at God’s Acre Cemetery in Peru, NY.

Donations in memory of Bonnie may be made to the Elmore SPCA or the Champlain Valley Chapter of the Sweet Adeline’s Chorus.