Bonnie Smith-Dermody, 77, passed away on February 18, 2026, just two days after her 77th birthday, at Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine.

Born on February 16, 1949, Bonnie lived a vibrant and unconventional life shaped by music, loyalty, and a fierce love for the people around her. Born in Boston and raised on Cape Cod, Bonnie experienced her parents’ divorce at a young age, a loss that stayed with her throughout her life. Yet she was deeply loved by the people who meant the most to her—especially her grandparents, affectionately known as Bubba and Bampa.

In her early years, Bonnie embraced adventure and the open road. A passionate traveler and free spirit, she attended the legendary Woodstock festival and carried the music and spirit of that era with her throughout her life.

Her love of travel eventually led her to work as a travel agent. Along the way, she also stepped into the music world, serving as a personal manager to the iconic musician Sly Stone, helping ensure he arrived where he needed to be and offering steady support behind the scenes. Never one to shy away from life’s edges, she also joked about her time as a driver in the underground cannabis world—stories she shared with humor and unmistakable sparkle.

Music remained a lifelong love, especially her devotion to The Rolling Stones. After marrying her beloved husband, Vin, Bonnie found one of her most cherished roles: “band mother.” She opened her home and heart to musicians and friends alike, offering encouragement, care, and a steady presence that nurtured creativity and connection.

Aside from music, Bonnie’s other passions were journalism and travel. In 1967, she took an “eye-opening” tour of Europe that she absolutely loved—an experience that helped inspire her decision to pursue a career in travel. Her love of writing also shaped her studies at Boston University.

Bonnie was deeply intelligent and a natural writer, someone who observed life keenly and expressed it with wit and honesty. She moved through the world on her own terms—resilient, loyal, and unapologetically herself.

She kept journals throughout her life and continued sharing her thoughts and voice well into later years, even appearing as a podcast co-host in recent years. She will be remembered for her stories, her laughter, her fierce devotion, and the way she showed up for the people she loved.

Bonnie is survived by a circle of chosen family, musicians, and friends whose lives she touched profoundly. Her spirit will live on wherever music plays, stories are shared, and love is given freely.

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