Bessette: Marie
August 7, 1926 - May 9, 2013
The death of Mrs. Marie (nee Parker) Bessette of Bethany Pioneer Village, Middle Lake, SK, (and formerly of Humboldt, SK), occurred at her residence on Thursday, May 9, 2013, with her loving family by her side. She was 86 years of age. Marie was predeceased by her husband, Roland Bessette; her son Jackie (in infancy); two grandchildren: Brock and Carla; parents, Leslie and Mary (nee Sutherland) Parker; and by six brothers: Leon, Reuben, Ronald, Lloyd, Maurice, and Gordon. Marie will be lovingly remembered by her children: Gary Bessette (Jan) of Coutts, AB, Elaine Bautz (Lorne) of Middle Lake, Keith Bessette (Brenda) of Melfort, SK, and Michele Bessette (Sheldon) of Humboldt. Left to carry on her legacy are her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Tara (David) and Sophia, Paul, Jill (Dennis) and Darian, Cheryl (Mike) and Forrest, Teresa, Chad (Erin) and Julia, Tyler (Lerissa), Riley (Jill), Tenille, Brianna, Brooke and Morgan. Marie is also survived by her brother, Laurie Parker; three sisters: Geraldine Schlosser, Janarius Bessette, and Mert George; as well as by numerous nieces and nephews. Marie was born on August 7, 1926, and was raised on the Parker farm near Cudworth, SK. She received her schooling at St. Aloysius and completed her education at St. Ursula's Academy in Bruno. On January 22, 1947, Marie married the love of her life, Roland Bessette, in St. Paul's R.C. Cathedral, Saskatoon. Together they raised a family of four as they moved from Reynaud, Saskatoon, Estevan, Keremeos, and back to Saskatoon. Music was a huge part of the Bessette household as was large family gatherings. Marie was the ultimate host whether at the Reynaud Hotel or at their home on Munroe Avenue; the door was always open and food was always plentiful. In Saskatoon, Marie found clerical work at Canadian Linen where she quickly became promoted to bookkeeper and then manager. She loved working with numbers which was further apparent in her wise money management skills. At age 48, Marie was widowed when Roland died suddenly of a heart attack. Left with two children still at home, her resilience and resourcefulness shone brightly. In 1975, Marie started working for Revenue Canada, advancing her skill levels and job opportunities until she retired in 1991 from the Veteran's Land Administration Office. Her strong work ethic, sense of humour, and positive outlook provided a strong foundation for her family to model. Marie was a loving wife and an exceptional mother and grandmother. She formed a strong bond with each of her children and grandchildren. Exceptions, not rules governed Grandma's house. The children were lavished with love, attention and an abundance of baked goodies making her home a sanctuary free from judgments. Marie served as a mentor for members of her family. Her insight and wisdom came to her naturally. She shouldered many of life's ups and downs stoically, and was quick to rush to the sides of those in need. Marie always saw the good in people, and made the world a better place by the grace of her goodness. May she rest in peace and always feel our enduring love for her. The Prayer Service for Marie was held at St. Augustine R.C. Church, Humboldt, on Sunday, May 12, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., led by Marlene Van Dresar and Janice Dobmeier. Scripture readers were Chad Bautz and Riley Bessette, and the eulogy was delivered by Gary and Keith Bessette. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Augustine R.C. Church on Monday, May 13, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Ephraim Mensah. Others taking part were: Lyle Bessette, crossbearer; Chad Bautz and Tara Murfitt, scripture readers; Jill Bessette, intentions; Brooke and Morgan Ries, giftbearers; Corie Hetzel and Suzanne Bernhard, memorial table attendants. Music ministry was provided by Tyler, Riley, Tenille and Katie Bessette, and Charlotte, Carmela and Nancy Brockman; bagpiper, Carol Peabody; and the St. Augustine Parish Funeral Choir. Honorary pallbearers were "all those who shared in Marie's life". Active pallbearers were Chad Bautz, Paul, Tyler, and Riley Bessette, Brianna Ries and Forrest Aitken. Interment followed at Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon, SK. Memorial donations may be directed to Bethany Pioneer Village, or to a charity of your choice. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
