Bessie Audrey Smathers of Red Deer, Alberta, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 24, 2017.
Bessie was born at Coaldale, Alberta, and lived in various places throughout the Province while growing up. After High School, Bessie trained as a Registered Nurse at the Misericordia Hospital in Edmonton and went on to enjoy a long career in this profession. After the war ended, Bessie married her childhood sweetheart and moved to Red Deer; where they raised their three children. Bessie was an active member of the Air Force Association, the Golden Circle, the Legion, and her Nursing Alumni Association. She loved music and musical events, playing bridge, knitting, reading and travelling. She was most proud of her family. Bessie will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Bette Lou (Edward), her sons, Frank and John (Donna); her grandchildren, Cayley, Shaun, Kimberly, Khristilea, Scott, Christy and Ryan; her great grandchildren, Emily, Dean, Mia, Wyatt, Quinley, Nolan, Tylor, and Cody; and her great great grandchildren. Her memory will also be cherished by her sisters, Ruth and Anne, her brother, Glenn and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. Bessie was predeceased by her husband, Leslie Smathers just short of sixty years, as well as her sister, Bernice and her brothers, Frank and John. A Celebration of Bessie’s Life will be held at Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer, Alberta on Friday, August 4, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, if desired, Memorial Donations in Bessie’s honor may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation at www.heartandstroke.ca. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2017-07-24
• Location : Red Deer