Bonita Marie Hathaway

Bonita Marie (Malsam) Hathaway, 77, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was a devoted wife, mother, Nana, sister, aunt, friend, mentor, and servant leader. Wherever she went, Bonnie had a gift for forming lasting friendships and connecting with others in a deeply meaningful way.

Bonnie was born in Sterling, North Dakota on May 31, 1949. She graduated from Bismarck High School in 1967 and went on to earn her bachelor’s in nutrition at the University of North Dakota in 1971. After graduation, she completed an internship at Beth Israel Hospital where she earned her registered dietician credentials. In 1979, she received her master’s in nutrition from Framingham State University.

While in college, Bonnie met the love of her life, John (Jack) Hathaway, who was stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. The two were married on June 18, 1971, and they made their home in Leominster, Massachusetts. Together, they raised their children Kent and Sara and built a life centered on family, faith and service.

Bonnie devoted nearly four decades to the field of nutrition and dietetics, building a distinguished career marked by leadership and a deep commitment to others’ well-being.

In 1973, she became Leominster Hospital’s first registered dietitian and later held roles across several hospitals and community health organizations, retiring in 2011 from Heywood Hospital as director of Nutrition Services and the Diabetes Program. She also shared her knowledge as an adjunct professor at Mount Wachusett Community College and was active in numerous professional organizations, including serving as president of the Central Massachusetts Dietetic Association.

Her commitment to others extended well beyond her professional life. Most notably, Bonnie founded the Montachusett Interfaith Hospitality Network (MIHN) and later served as president, helping build it into a vital shelter and support network for local families experiencing homelessness. Working alongside members of Pilgrim Congregational Church and other area faith communities, she helped the organization grow and thrive. In time, MIHN evolved into North Star Family Services, which honored her enduring impact in 2023 by naming its original house “Bonnie’s Place.”

Bonnie was an active member of Pilgrim Congregational church, making life-long friends. She served multiple terms as deacon, chaired both the missions and growth communities, taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir, and enjoyed being a member of the handbell choir.

Bonnie’s love for her community was evident in all she did. She was active on the board of the Leominster-Fitchburg Voluntary Action Committee, volunteered with hospice services, and dedicated six years to the Leominster Cultural Council. She also shared her love of music through the Montachusett Chorale, singing for many years in support of charitable causes throughout the community. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Bonnie received numerous honors over the years, including being named Citizen of the Year at Leominster’s annual Starburst event in 2019.

In 2015, Bonnie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. True to her lifelong spirit of helping others, she became an advocate for Parkinson’s awareness and research, participating in clinical studies at several Universities, while also raising funds for Parkinson’s organizations.

Bonnie was predeceased by her parents, John and Mary Malsam, and by her husband, John Hathaway. She is survived by her children, Kent Hathaway and Sara Doraski; her daughter-in-law, Deborah Hathaway; her son-in-law, Donald Doraski; her grandchildren, Donald, Evan, Megan, and William; her brothers, Byron Malsam and his wife, Jill, and Brant Malsam and his wife, Nancy; her sister-in-law, Gayle Hathaway Goss Briggs and her husband, Jack; her brother-in-law, Gregg Hathaway and his wife, Annette; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, generosity, and steadfast love.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 11 at 10 a.m. at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Leominster, Massachusetts. The family will have a committal service on Friday, July 10 at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider donating to North Star Family Services, Inc. (Bonnie’s Place) at https://northstarfs.org.