Bonnie Johnson passed away after combating Alzheimer's and suffering a heart attack on Thursday, February 26th 2026. She is survived by her husband, Stephen Ward; her sister, Cynthia Johnson Hirsch; her son Christopher Ward and her daughter-in-law Mina McAllister; her step-daughter, Sarah Ward; her niece Liz Owen and her adult children Sam and Molly; her grandchildren Zeinab, Maila, Ali, Layla and Kian; and her longtime friends Judy Rottersman and Bobbie Stein. She is pre-deceased by her mother, Gertrude Feierstein and her dear friends Sheila Browning and Irene Neves.

Her family is deeply grateful for the support and care provided by the people at Eddy Hawthorne Ridge retirement community, her aides from Touching Hearts, and the medical professionals at Albany Medical Center who cared for her in her final moments.

Throughout her life she was a fiercely diligent, organized and responsible woman who never delayed action or skirted her responsibilities. She was often straight to the point and encouraged and lifted up the people in her life to do the same. She was fiercely honest and loyal, traits that immediately endeared her to whoever she met. Wherever she went she left people caring and enjoying their time with her.

Although serious and steadfast, she also had a wonderful sense of humor. There was rarely a conversation devoid of laughter and she kept that even through the darkest times in her life and her battle with Alzheimer's which stole much of the traits she valued most in herself.

Bonnie's primary love in life was her family and friends. What she loved most was sharing a meal, a conversation, or an event.

Bonnie was born in Brooklyn, NY to Gertrude and Matthew Johnson. Her dad died early in her and Cynthia's life, and they were raised by their mother who worked three jobs and six days a week to support the family. Bonnie eventually graduated from Brooklyn College and started her career, moving to the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Bonnie was a retired reporter, writer and editor who spent her career working for publications such as Life Magazine, People Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She was gifted with a keen ability for the written word. As a reporter for Life Magazine she travelled throughout the country interviewing and writing about events and people. At People Magazine, her crowning achievement as Assistant Managing Editor was the magazine's cover story on the 25th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

While retired, Bonnie volunteered at Beth Israel Hospital helping patients and families recover after surgery.

The family held a small private ceremony in accordance with her wishes.

Donations may be made in her name to God's Love We Deliver (www.glwd.org)