Marguerite J (Vottis) Bonafede

Guilderland - Marguerite J. Bonafede (nee Vottis), age 93, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2023 at Kingsway Arms Nursing Facility. Born in Schenectady, she was the daughter of the late Pasquale and Olympia Vottis (Giaquinto). A graduate of Mont Pleasant High School, Marguerite moved to Amsterdam when she married Vincent Bonafede in 1949. A classically trained ballet dancer, she was the proprietor of her own dance studio in Amsterdam in the 1950s and into the 1960s where she taught hundreds of children ballet, tap and acrobatics. After moving from Amsterdam to Guilderland in 1964 she focused on making a home for her husband and children. In the 1980’s she managed the family business, Vottis Pipe Shops of Albany, located in the Empire State Plaza in Albany. Marguerite was an extraordinary seamstress and quilter who also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, embroidering and sketching. Predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Vincent, she is survived by her son, Vincent M. Bonafede of Troy; and her daughter, Patricia L. Hunt and son-in-law, James of Niskayuna. She has 5 grandsons, Vincent R. Bonafede (daughter, Vinessa)., John Bonafede (wife, Lisa, children Brianna, Jack and Jeana), Steven Bonafede (daughter, Marlo), James V. Hunt (wife Cynthia, children Rosalie and James W.) and Ian Hunt (wife Alisha, children Lucas and Liam). She is also survived by her brother Dr. Patrick M. Vottis, Ph.D; as well as a niece and 3 nephews. A memorial service for Marguerite will take place at Saratoga National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Regional Foodbank of Northeastern New York, 965 Albany-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.