Bonnie Winokar

WINOKAR, Bonnie, of Maynard, died at Emerson Hospital on July 24. She was 81. Teacher, community builder, civil rights activist, and beloved wife, aunt, cousin, stepmother, and grandmother, Bonnie is survived by her wife of 37 years, Mary McCarthy; her nephew Marshall Stevenson (Eden Morris and Nina Stevenson); her stepchildren Patricia McCarthy (David Boundy), Michael McCarthy (Daphne Minner), and Brian McCarthy (Tessa Kale); her grandchildren Isabelle Boundy (Kevin Staples), Sarah Elizabeth Boundy, and Madeline Boundy; and numerous beloved cousins. Bonnie taught mathematics at Ashland High School for more than three decades, touching the lives of countless students. In retirement, she was active in state politics, serving as an elected member of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee; she was a leader in the fight for marriage equality in the Commonwealth and throughout the United States. Her and Mary’s 2004 wedding was the subject of the Showtime documentary "Same Sex America." Having previously lived in Chelsea, Waltham, and Boston's Back Bay and North End, Bonnie resided in Maynard since 1988, most recently at Camellia Gardens. She was active in numerous community groups in Maynard, serving on the school board during a period of major growth and renovation. Everywhere she lived, she made dear friends. With Bonnie there were no strangers for long. She was also a great lover of animals, especially cats. Donations in her memory to the MSPCA are encouraged. A celebration of her life is planned for September. May her memory be for a blessing.