Bonny Ellen McNally, 74, of Whitesboro, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital in Syracuse, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on September 4, 1951, in Utica, a daughter of the late Robert and June (Robellard) Crowther. She was a graduate of Whitesboro Central School and Utica College, where she earned her license as a practical nurse.

In 1974, Bonny married Mark F. Harvey, living on a working farm where she made homemade butter and delicious baked goods. She was a member of the ladies auxiliary for the Borodino Fire Department. 

In 1990, at Trinkaus Manor in Oriskany, she married John Joseph McNally. They were married for 28 wonderful years, passing in 2018.

Bonny worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at various hospitals, spending most of her career with OB/GYN Associates of CNY in Utica until her retirement. Following her retirement, she became an ambassador with Plexus Worldwide, Inc.

Bonny was, in every sense, the life of the party. She never met a stranger, only friends she hadn’t talked to yet, and could turn a trip to the grocery store into an hour-long conversation with someone she’d just met. She had a never-get-old attitude that wasn’t just talk. She went skydiving, practiced Tai Chi, belted out karaoke without apology, and played sand volleyball and cornhole with people half her age (and won!)

She loved nothing more than her summers at camp, where she spent long days at her A-frame and gazebo. Barefoot, carefree, and exactly herself, surrounded by friends who understood that life is better with a little less between you and the sun. She treasured long conversations, loud laughter, and any excuse to be around people.

Bonny is survived by her partner, Erik Shane; her children, Paul Harvey of New Hampshire, Dawn Harvey (Mark Young) of Utica, Betsy Churchfield of Whitesboro, and Helen Kalajian of Pound Ridge; her grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Allison Kalajian,  Ella Rose and Sophia Lily Harvey, Jordan Findley,  Pearl and Silas Churchfield, and Wyatt Young; her brother and sister-in-law, Lee and Diane Crowther of Remsen; and her nephew, Jeffrey Crowther of Remsen.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bonny’s memory may be made to the Upstate Cancer Center through the Upstate Foundation at www.upstatefoundation.org/cancer/give, supporting the patients and families who walk through the same doors she did.

To send a condolence online, please visit www.rpheintzfsi.com.

If you knew Bonny, you know what she’d want. Pick up the mic and don’t hold back.