Bessie Rosalind Speers
May 30, 1918 - June 15, 2018
Bessie Rosalind Speers (née Silverthorn) passed away peacefully Friday June 15, 2018 at the age of 100. Bessie was born in Elgin County Ontario and came to Alberta at the age of 4 when her parents Luella and Manley Silverthorn moved West. Her father Manley was the Elevator Agent and her Mother Luella taught school for 29 years in the area.
Bessie was predeceased by her husband James Roy Speers in 1968, parents Manley and Luella Silverthorn, brother Louis, sisters Viola and Muriel, and 4 children, 2 as infants, Ralph and Shirley Speers, son Donald in 2010, daughter Marcella Jenkins in 2017, daughter in-laws Kathy Speers, Lillian Speers and, great grandson Joshua Speers.
She leaves to mourn 3 sons and 2 daughters, Neil (Marlene), Larry (Bonnie), Bruce, Gladys (Ralph) Spence, Sharon (Richard) Wilson. She also leaves to mourn 25 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.
Bessie lived a very busy life surrounded by her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. She traveled to many parts of the world and enjoyed a rewarding life. She was a very active community member, being involved with the Seniors Centre, the Royal Purple, the Women's Auxiliary of the Legion, volunteering, and was a member 50+ years with the Willow Ridge Ladies Club. She curled for 32 years, was an amazing artist having painted over a hundred pictures for her children, grandchildren and community fund raising events. She loved quilting, gardening, playing piano and card playing with her friends and family. She also represented the Northern Zone in the Alberta Seniors winter and summer games, winning several awards. In 2012 she was honoured by the Athabasca County as the Pioneer Farm Woman of the Year. She loved her home, her flowers, and life. She celebrated her 100th Birthday with many of her family and friends.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Perryvale Community Hall on Friday, June 22, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Willow Ridge Community Club will be appreciated.