Bonnie Rae Montgomery, 85, of Meadville and formerly of Athens and Hudson, NY passed away on December 23, 2025, at Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community.

Bonnie was born on April 11, 1940, in Guys Mills, PA; a daughter of Raymond and Donna Winans Armstrong. She graduated with honors from Townville High School in 1958 and then attended Houghton College in New York graduating in 1962 with her bachelor’s degree.

She married David Montgomery, and he preceded her in death in 2012.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, C. Kent Armstrong and Brian Armstrong. Survivors include her goddaughter, Anne-Lise Glenn of Stamford, NY, and her brother Larry (Nancy)Armstrong of Guys Mills, PA and sister in laws, Ramona Armstrong of Sarasota, Fl and Carol Armstrong of Hiawassee, GA and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bonnie was raised in a very conservative Christian family. After college she taught English for two years at Hamburg, NY and Syracuse, NY.  About this time, the Woodstock generation arose and Bonnie joined whole heartedly.  She stopped teaching and moved to New York City and worked for an avant-garde publishing company, “New Horizons.”  One day she met a very tall young man with a hairdo that looked like an atomic bomb. She said to herself that she was going to marry that man and by golly she did.  His name was David Montgomery, also known by his friends as The Count.

They later moved from New York City to Upstate NY and bought an old mill which at that time was used as a chicken coup.  They swept out most of the feathers and moved in.  Together they started an antique business in Stamford, NY.  Years later they moved to Hudson, NY with the business. Hudson NY is the antique mecca of NY, attracting many celebrities.  During these years they traveled often to Italy and France surrounding themselves with the antiques they loved.

Later in life they moved across the Hudson River to the quaint town of Athens and bought an old home (older than sin) which they absolutely thought was heaven.  They had several happy years there and met many friends and neighbors that took them in like family.  They loved the Hudson River and spent hours with their poodle dog walking along the shores, kayaking, enjoying the flora and fauna, scenery and bird watching.  Her husband was a talented artist and metal sculptor.  He passed in 2012 and his ashes were scattered in the beloved river. During a memorial service this coming spring, she will join him there.

Bonnie loved to debate (argue) on many subjects.  She was an avid reader and called herself an intellectual.  She loved gourmet food, wine, poetry, cooking and conversations with her friends.  She was feisty and somewhat difficult at times.  Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s, invaded the last few years of her life.

Per Bonnie’s request arrangements are private and have been entrusted to Dickson Family Funeral Home, Inc. 123 South Franklin Street, Cochranton, PA.

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