Bonnie Ascher

Photographed by Paul Shoul

Memories

Anne Marie Lucy: For a time, Bonnie wrote notes to Ken and me about her struggles with Winston over the returnables they both collected all over downtown. Strong Avenue and lower Main Street were her territory, not his; eventually he saw things her way. She called a borrowed shopping cart her SUV and parked it behind our apartment for a while. Her cat Miss Margo kept watch on Market Street from their apartment over the laundromat.

Susan Towles: Bonnie! I have this photo in my camera. She was a great lady with a very kind heart and a rough and tumble exterior. She also used to hitchhike up to the Indian reservation on Route 2 bringing all manner of things she had collected for their powwow. Andi and I were actually invited into her apartment once. I don’t think too many people got past the doorway. After TJs closed we used to see her at the Blue Bonnet and always bought her a Kahlua sombrero. How she didn’t get hit on that bike is beyond me! Miss her!

John Smith: 10 years without a single absence – impressive work ethic, Bonnie! Worked at TJ the whole time

Dennis Desmond: Bonnie worked at the Cottage Kitchen in Florence for a few years. She was so delightful.