February 6, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
Bessie passed away on February 6, 2022 at her home in Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada. She was 96.
Bessie was born in Walthamstow, England, and was one of six children. She was 14 years old when war broke out, and she found herself helping out by joining the Home Guard and working as a machine operator in a factory. After the war Bessie married, and she and husband Reg began life together and started a family.
About ten years later, Reg joined the RCAF and traveled to Canada, followed soon after by Bessie and children Brenda, Pam and Alan. From airbases in Winnipeg and Gimli, where their 4th child, Joanne, was born, Reg was posted to Comox, and the family moved to the Comox Valley where Bessie and Reg spent the rest of their years.
Bessie started to volunteer with the Girl Guide organization in Gimli when two of her girls were in Brownies and Guides, and continued for over 20 years, first as Brown Owl and later as District Commissioner in Courtenay.
As well as her community involvement, Bessie loved baking and gardening, and was noted for her sewing and quilting, selling her items at Christmas fairs, the Filberg fair and in retail stores.
Bessie and Reg also continued to travel, exploring a lot of British Columbia, where Victoria was a favorite destination, as well as Hawaii. After 13 years, Bessie finally returned to England with Joanne in 1970 for her parents' 50th wedding anniversary.
Bess was predeceased by her husband Reg and siblings Bert, Jim, Rene and Len. She is survived by her children Brenda, Pam, Alan and Joanne, her sister June, and the many nephews and nieces (and their families) who are so far away and yet close in our hearts.
Our family is so very grateful to have had a wonderful team of caregivers (Team Bessie) who helped to make it possible for us to fulfil our father's wish for mum to be able to remain in her home until her final days. Thank you everyone!
We will hold a private celebration of life at a future date, subject to health restrictions. Please, no flowers, but we would appreciate donations to the Girl Guides of Canada, dedicated "In memory of" Bessie Boreham. Donation information can be found on the Girl Guides of Canada website.