Obituary of Bonnie Sands Johnson
Bonnie Sands Johnson, 89, of Watchung, New Jersey passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Morristown Memorial Hospital. Born on August 31, 1935 in Newark, New Jersey, Bonnie was the daughter of the late William G. Sands and Ramona Palmer Sands. She was raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where she graduated from Battin High School and continued her education at the Katharine Gibbs School. Upon graduation, Bonnie began her professional career working for Johnson & Johnson.
Bonnie later pursued her passion for education and media by earning a bachelor’s degree from Kean College in Hillside, New Jersey. With her degree in hand, she went on to serve as the beloved middle school librarian in Watchung where she worked for many years before retiring in 1992.
Upon retirement, Bonnie and her husband, Gale, moved to their lakehouse at Smith Mountain Lake in Moneta, Virginia. She enjoyed an active retirement, remaining in Virginia after Gale’s passing in 2005. In 2021, she returned to Watchung to be closer to her children and family.
Faith played a central role in Bonnie’s life. She was a devoted and longtime member of Wilson Memorial Union Church in Watchung. In Virginia, she was active in her church community and worshiped at Trinity Ecumenical Parish in Moneta.
Bonnie was an extraordinarily gifted and creative woman. She was a skilled quilter and rug hooker whose beautiful work won numerous awards. She was a member of several craft groups, sharing her skill and camaraderie with fellow artisans. In addition, she served with the Westlake Library Association, reflecting her lifelong commitment to education and literacy. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Bonnie enjoyed lake life, her dog, walking outdoors, and especially cherished camping vacations with family.
Bonnie was predeceased by her beloved husband, H. Gale Johnson, and her brother, Bruce Sands. She is survived by her brother, Craig Sands, and her two children, Karin Johnson Pinto and Kenneth Johnson and his wife, Anne. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Peter Pinto and his wife, Elo Okah, Thomas Johnson, and Ryan Johnson, who all brought her immense joy and pride.
Cremation services will be held privately. A memorial service to celebrate Bonnie’s life is scheduled on Sunday 6/8 at 12:30pm at Wilson Memorial Union Church in Watchung. Memorial contributions in Bonnie’s name may be made to CENTER FOR HOPE Hospice and Palliative Care, Scotch Plains, NJ
