Bessie THOMPSON

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THOMPSON: Bessie. The family sadly announces the passing of our dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Bessie Thompson of Brandon at Brandon Regional Health Centre on Thursday, July 22, 2010. Our mother was born in her parents' home in Carnduff, Saskatchewan, May 4, 1918. Mum was the secondyoungest of seven children born to William and Elizabeth Ennos. She received her schooling in Carnduff, and after graduating from high school worked for a short time as a home-maker's helper. When the war began, she joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, and was stationed in Brandon. In 1944, Mum and Dad met. Dad, too, was a member of the RCAF. They were married May 16, 1945 in Brandon. After a short time living in Estevan, Saskatchewan they then moved to the family farm where they lived together and raised four children. As a farm wife, mum worked alongside our dad, milking cows, raising chickens, chopping wood and doing any tasks that needed doing. Her gardens were always filled with flowers and vegetables. Bessie was an industrious woman who froze vegetables, canned fruits, made jams and pickles, made home-made bread and buns, baked pies, and loved to provide her family with nutritious home-cooked meals. Mum was very involved in our lives. She read us bedtime stories, sewed clothing for us, helped us with homework and 4-H projects and listened to our stories. We appreciate all the many skills she passed on to us. Bessie enjoyed homemaker competitions, and won many awards. Up until the end, she baked her famous date-filled oatmeal cookies and shared them with her friends. Once we were in school, she decided to enter the work force once again. She worked at the 1 and 10 Motel, Barney's Motel, Salisbury House, and finally Brandon Hospital. Dad passed away suddenly in 1975, so at the age of 56, Mum learned to drive and enjoyed driving until she was close to 90. She continued to work at the hospital until her retirement in 1984. Mum continued to live at the farm until 1989 when she moved to her house in Brandon. In 2002, Bessie moved to Hobb's Manor where she resided until her passing. She enjoyed her many dear friends at Hobb's and took part in most activities such as card games, shuffleboard, bingo and exercise class. She was active up until her stay in the hospital. Mum loved to go shopping, to go for lunch, or to have anyone come for a visit and tea. She liked to play Scrabble, Dominoes, Cribbage, and Yahtzee, and usually won. She knit manyafghans, baby quilts, scarves, and other items that all of us treasure. She liked to travel and enjoyed trips to Alaska, California, Newfoundland, Montreal, Victoria and many other places. Mum was so proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and often had stories or pictures to share with her friends. She was predeceased by: her husband, Lorne in 1975; her daughter, Margaret in 2006; her parents and her six siblings. We are so grateful for the ninety-two healthy years our mother lived, and for the wonderful times we spent with this caring and loving woman. She will be remembered and missed by daughters Linda Burnell (Al Gray), Helen Weitman (George), and son, Frank Thompson (Jenny) and children, Ashley and Leanne. Also left to mourn her passing are Margaret's husband Syd Dmyterko of Strathclair and children, Debra Donaghey (Hugh) of Milton, Ontario, Sherri Laita (Dave) of Cambridge, ON, Craig Dmyterko of Elphinstone, and Karin Younghans (Todd) of Fergus, Ontario. Mum also leaves nine great-grandchildren: Zach, Nathan and Ryan Laita; Kiana, Ashlyn and Makena Donaghey; and Emily, Kate, and Cohen Younghans. Also left to cherish her memory are her sisters-in-law, Muriel Thompson of Prince George, B.C., and Hazel Ennos of Weyburn, Saskatchewan. She enjoyed special times with Al's children, Jodie Sunley (Sterling) and son, Euan, Krista Wynne (Terrance) and children, Emma and Jackson. There are numerous nieces, nephews and friends to remember this kind, independent, and energetic woman. The Funeral Service was held at Memories Chapel Monday, July 26, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. with Mona Franklin officiating. Pallbearers were her six grandchildren: Debra Donaghey, Sherri Laita, Craig Dmyterko, Karin Younghans, Ashley Thompson, and Leanne Thompson. Interment was in the Brandon Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 2B7, or to a charity of choice.Mum, we will forever miss you, your happy smile, your sense of humour, your strength and courage, your enjoyment of the fun things in life, and your unconditional love for us.Expressions of sympathy may be made atwww.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 07, 2010