Obituary of Doris Harriet BESSIE (nee Colville)

April 24, 1926 – Unity, Saskatchewan
January 1, 2021 – Airdrie, Alberta

With sad hearts, the family of Doris Bessie announces her passing on Friday, January 1, 2021, at age 94. She is predeceased by her father, mother, sister, and husband; and mourned by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Doris was born in April 1926. She grew up on the family farm near Wilkie, SK with her father Jim Colville, mother Rachel Colville (nee Williams), and sister Anne. While still young, Doris met Eileen Quick (nee Scott) who became a lifelong best friend. Both Eileen and Doris went to Normal School in Saskatoon and studied to become teachers. While teaching in Eastend, SK, Doris met and fell in love with Don Bessie. Don and Doris were married on July 21, 1954. Over the next five years, the family grew with the births of Diane, Ken, and Kathryn while moving from Eastend to Wilkie to Weyburn.

In 1969 the family moved to Lethbridge, AB. Don and Doris stayed in Lethbridge for four decades, making friends and watching their children grow to adulthood. Doris was a regular participant in a coffee klatch of her friends and a supporter at McKillop United Church. She and Don were frequent travellers, often in the company of their friends, exploring Europe, Atlantic Canada, and the western United States. With her family growing, Doris found enjoyment working in the fine china department at Woodward's.

Don and Doris moved to a senior home in Airdrie in 2012 to be closer to family. A few years later, her failing health necessitated a move to the long-term care facility at Bethany Airdrie where Doris spent the last years of her life.

In December 2020 Bethany Airdrie experienced an outbreak of the Covid-19 virus. Doris was among the residents that tested positive for the virus. She passed away quietly on New Year’s Day, 2021. She will always be fondly remembered by her children, Diane (Rob) Moser, Ken Bessie, and Kathryn Bessie (Lyle Weslowski); her grandchildren, Tony (Eva) Moser, Phil Moser and Tim Moser; and her great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Moser and Sienna Moser. 

There will be no formal funeral service for Doris, but a Celebration of Life is planned for a later date. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed on Doris’ obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Doris Bessie, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, AB T4B 3L8, Telephone: 403-948-1100.