SMITH (nee Martin)
Bessie
Elizabeth Irene)
April 13, 2021
Bessie passed away suddenly and peacefully on April 13, 2021 at Drumheller Acute Care subsequent to her 94th birthday.
She has happily gone on to join Jim, her beloved husband of 55 years. She is lovingly remembered by her son George, her daughter Darlene, her grandchildren Jason
and Leanne, her sister-in-law Edythe Martin and numerous nieces, nephews and their families. We not only remember her quiet, shy manner but also her
wonderfully wry humour.
Bessie was born to Ed and Emily Martin at the farm south-east of Michichi----finally a girl after five boys. She rode horseback to attend a small country school (Nicolls) from Grade 1 to Grade 9. She attended high school in Drumheller and stayed at the dormitory. She studied to become a teacher in Calgary and returned to teach in the Starland Division at Handhills, Golden Grain, Munson and Lloyd George schools. On August 3rd, 1949 she married the love of her life, Jim Smith, moved to the Smith farm and stayed home to raise her 2 children. Bessie returned to teaching in 1962 at Majestic School and taught between there and Delia until her retirement in 1986. And yes, she could still remember most of her students. She and Jim moved to Delia in 1972 and she moved to Drumheller in 2004. In her retirement, Bessie was involved with volunteering at Riverview Terrace Condos where she lived. Bessie always loved music and playing her organ and keyboard (mostly by ear). She also loved to knit and made many baby sweaters and pairs of socks. Most of all she adored her grandchildren.
Bessie was predeceased by her parents, her five brothers (Oliver, Willis, Harold, George and Vernal) and four sisters-in-law (Edith, Muriel, Doris and Margaret).
A special thanks to her loving caregivers (Chris, Karen and Monica to name a few), her home care workers and nurses who she came to know and love over the years and the doctors, nurses, neighbours and friends who cared for her and helped her stay in her condo until the last day.
Due to COVID and Bessie’s wishes, there will not be a formal funeral service. Memories can be shared online at Courtney-Winters Funeral Home. Internment at the Delia Cemetery will follow at a later date.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Bessie’s memory may be made to STARS, Delia Cemetery Committee (nelsonkarg@gmail.com) or a charity of your choice.
Courtney-Winters Funeral Home in care of arrangements 403-823-2666.
