Bessie SMITH

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SMITH: It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Bessie Winnifred Smith at the Assiniboine Centre on September 17, 2013 following a short illness. She left us peacefully with her family by her side. Bessie will be lovingly remembered by her family, daughter Janice Shannon, grandsons Shayne Poole, Jamie (Michelle) Poole and Brent (Jodi) Poole, son Laurie (Nancy) Smith and grandchildren Kim (Eric) Toupin, Scott (Shanna) Smith and Chris (Tina) Smith, son Scott (Val) Smith and granddaughters Caitlin Smith and Ashton Smith as well as fourteen great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Clara Myers and Fay (Ralph) Lowes. Born April 7, 1929 in Manitou MB, twin sister to Bill and daughter of Winnifred and Jim McLean, Bessie was raised on the experimental farm in Morden and following high school she found work in Treherne where she met Bud, the love of her life. They were married on April 22, 1949. In 1952, Bud was offered a permanent position with MTS so they moved to Brandon with their two small children, Janice and Laurie, and in 1959 they added to their family with the birth of their son Scott. As her children grew, Bessie began working outside the home. She was a sales clerk at several retail stores including Waddell's Tots to Teens, Wilson's Stationary and Christies School Supplies. She ended her career as the store manager at Belle's and Bows, located in the "new" Shoppers mall in 1985. Bessie and Bud made time to spend together during the hectic years of raising a young family. They were very involved in their children's activities but managed to bowl in the winter and golf in the summer together. They were both athletic and golf became a favorite past time for years to come. Bessie and Bud purchased a cabin at Brandosa beach in the mid 70s. They loved life at the lake and every available minute was spent there. The little cabin was often full to the rafters with their kids and grandkids and we are left with cherished memories of summer and winter sports, bon fires, lightening shows watched from the deck, star gazing, tan lines and many special times spent there together. After retiring in 1985, Bud and Bessie purchased property in Tarpon Springs, Florida where they spent many happy winters and cultivated many wonderful friendships over the years. Following Bud's passing in 1999, Bessie continued to drive to Florida every winter until her late 70’s when, at the insistence of her family, she begrudgingly agreed to fly south. Blessed with a rich, full and very active life, Bessie celebrated 50 years of marriage to the man she described as being "the best man ever born", and will be sadly missed by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom she adored. She was predeceased by her parents Winnifred and Jim McLean; her husband G.S. Bud Smith; her brothers Roy and Bill McLean and her infant son James Stuart. According to her wishes, Bessie was laid to rest at a private graveside funeral on September 27, 2013 with Lydia Glawson officiating. If friends so desire a contribution may be made in Bessie's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 3-824 18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 5B7 or a charity of choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330. She Has Achieved SuccessWho has lived well, laughedoften and loved much.Who has gained respect ofintelligent men and womenAnd the love of little children.Who has filled her niche andaccomplished her task;Who has left the world betterthan she found it; Who hasnever lacked appreciation ofEarth's beauty or failed to express it;Who has looked for the best in othersAnd given the best she had.Author Unknown

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 26, 2013