Bonnie Jo Mider

Bonnie Jo Mider of Newark Valley, N.Y. passed away on Jan. 11, 2025 at UHS Binghamton General Hospital from complications of Lewy body dementia. At Newark Valley High School, where she taught for decades, she was known for a radiant smile and for reaching students others couldn’t. She was a tireless volunteer in her community, including at the Newark Valley United Methodist Church, and a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Bonnie was born on April 25, 1950 in Canisteo, N.Y. to the late John Feeney and the former Elnora Burdick. Her first date with the love of her life, Dick, took place at Galbo’s Skating Rink in Hornell, N.Y. when she was 11 years old.

She graduated from Canisteo High School and SUNY College at Cortland. After starting a family with Dick in Endicott, N.Y., she was a stay-at-home mom, filling her children’s days with sewing and baking projects, carousel rides, picking and preserving berries, weeding the garden, and throwing stones in the creek.

Bonnie joined the faculty of Newark Valley High School in 1984, and the family later moved to the community. She taught until 2010, advising the newspaper club and Honor Society. She was known as friendly but firm. Students sometimes remarked that she always had a big smile on her face–even when she was scolding them.

Bonnie is survived by her husband of 54 years, Richard Mider; daughter Jessica Mider (Alexander Muller); son Zachary Mider (Kristen Joyce); grandchildren Sophia, Lillian, and Elinor Muller and John, Mary, and Emily Mider; and sisters Marsha Fleming, Kathleen Engler, and Dianne Van Pelt.

She had a remarkable number of close friends, starting with her sisters, who gathered frequently, performing songs such as “You Are My Sunshine” in four-part harmony. With teacher colleagues, she hosted a book club and was always game for a trip to New York City or a round of golf, despite being an indifferent golfer. She was also a friend to many who had no one else.

Bonnie shared her husband’s love of the outdoors, boiling maple syrup, walking the hill, and looking after the family’s English setters. In her later years she hosted a week-long “Cousins’ Camp” where her grandchildren visited a farm, explored the woods, and gazed at stars.

We will gather for a period of visitation and sharing memories on Tuesday, January 14th from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 pm at the MacPherson Funeral Home, 5 Whig St., Newark Valley. A celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 15th at 11 am at the Newark Valley United Methodist Church, 63 Main St., Newark Valley with a luncheon to follow. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting her guestbook at www.macphersonfh.com Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to Mom’s House of Endicott NY Inc., 770 Harry L Dr., Johnson City, NY 13790, www.momshouseny.org in memory of Bonnie Mider.