Obituary of Mary BESSEY

Mary Vivian Dawn Bessey (nee During), always 29 years of age in her heart, of Brooks, Alberta and formerly of Peterborough, Ontario, passed away peacefully at Rockyview General Hospital on February 2, 2014. Mary was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia and graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University. She was married to Pleman Bessey on February 16, 1953 and they were blissfully together for 65 years. Mary was an enthusiastic and active person her entire life. Music was always a mainstay for her, singing barbershop, directing and performing in church choirs and had recently taken up drumming at Newbrook Lodge. She was one of the founding members of the Brooks Music Festival. She loved books, especially cook books, working crossword puzzles, enjoyed gardening and bridge, doing cross stitch and was a long time member of the Prairie Pioneers. In Peterborough, she devoted much of her time to the Girl Guides and was Brown Owl to many young women. Mary always looked forward to meeting new people with her ready smile. Mary is survived by her brother Freddie During, her children, daughter Valerie West (Russell Sheldon), her son Alexander Bessey (Jane), and son Warren Bessey (Chalone). Grandchildren , Victoria West-Wacker (Mike), Brandi West, Ryan Bessey (Sally), Kyle Bessey, Jeremy Bessey (Sarah) and Camille Bessey. Great-grandchildren, Dylan, Brookyn, Ryder, Vada and Ariel. Many nieces and nephews will also mourn her passing. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Leo, Vincent and Raymond, her devoted husband Pleman (November 2013) and her son Roger who died in infancy. Private family arrangements have been made and interment to be held in Peterborough at a later date. In honour of Mary and Pleman a bench will be erected near the garden Mary nurtured. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, that donations may be made to the Newbrook Lodge Comfort Fund, c/o Newbrook Lodge, 500 - 3rd Street East, Brooks, Alberta, T1R 1P6.