Pearl Adelaide "Bessie" Small
July 15, 2021
SMALL, Pearl Adelaide “Bessie” – On Thursday, July 15, 2021 she slipped away to be with Dad. Pearl Adelaide Smellie was born May 26, 1926 in Biggar, Saskatchewan. Her mother Katherine passed away three days later and on her deathbed she wished for baby Pearl to be called Bessie – and she was known as Bessie ever since. As a baby she left her father, brother and three sisters to be raised in Ontario by her aunt and uncle, Agnes and David McWaters along with their nine children. Bessie always knew that she was blessed to have two families and sadly was predeceased by them all. She met the love of her life at a dance in Conn. Ray Small was handsome, dashing, and he liked to dance. They danced together for 42 years, raised six children, and loved their six grandchildren. Over her 95 years Bessie was a seamstress and played piano in a band that played 'gigs' all over the Mount Forest and Arthur area. She loved music and played by ear – piano, guitar, and fiddle. Bessie also played the organ for many years at countless choirs, weddings, and at Westcott United Church. She milked guernsey cows for over 20 years, drove tractors, cooked, baked, pickled, taught, cared, loved, disciplined, played many games of cards, and laughed! Sadly, Ray passed away August 19, 1988 and her second life began. She remained active with the church, UCW, Women's Institute, danced with the Young at Heart Club, travelled several times to Australia, New Zealand, the island of Niue and made regular trips to visit relatives in western Canada. Bus trips, plays, and musicals – she was always game for a fun day! Her humour and spark are gone but never forgotten by her children; Shirley (Milan Krnjaic) of Edmonton, Arnold (late Alyce, June 2019), Leslie (Nancy), and Marion (Ray Parker) all of Mount Forest, Teressa (Brian Scott) of Mildura, Australia, and Eva (Peter Baldasso) of Elora. Loved dearly by 6 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 15 step great grandchildren. She was also predeceased by grandson Dean Jackson in May 2019. Sincere gratitude to all the staff of Strathcona Long Term Care in Mount Forest for the incredible care provided to Bessie and support extended to our family throughout this difficult pandemic year and half. The outdoor, vestibule and facetime visits with Bessie were truly appreciated. Cremation has taken place and per Bessie's wishes, there will be no funeral service. Interment will take place at Greenfield Cemetery, Arthur. Expressions of sympathy would be appreciated through donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Parkinson's Society of Canada. Funeral arrangements entrusted to England Funeral Home, Mount Forest.
Condolences
Eva, I’m so sorry to hear about your Moms passing. Thinking of you
Kim Janzen ( Cottell )
Sorry to hear about aunt Bessie's passing. Our thoughts are with you
— Marj and Brian McMullen and family, July 22, 2021Sincere sympathy to Arnold and all of Bessie's family and friends. We remember and admired Bessie as the long-time organist and choir director at Westcott United Church, Conn. She was a treasured friend to my late parents, James and Josephine Feairs of Cedarville. In more recent years, when our mother was a resident at Saugeen Valley Nursing Centre, we would be delighted to see Bessie zip in on Sundays to play the organ for their special services. She never failed to come over for a chat after.
Our lives are richer for having known this warm, gracious lady.
Eleanor Mueller, Cambridge.
Eva, I'm so sorry for the crack in your heart. There's absolutely no pain like losing your Mom. Seeing her photo, you bear such a likeness to her. I think of you often, old friend. <3
— Sue Spahr, July 20, 2021So sorry for your loss. Bessie was a wonderful condo neighbour.
— Doreen Love, July 20, 2021Our condolences to the family of Bessie. She was a wonderful lady and we are truly blessed to have known her. We have many good memories of her and her family.
To the Small family -- So sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother. Our thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time.
— Sandra Fettes, July 20, 2021Sincerest condolences to Bessie’s family, she was an amazing, sweet, community oriented lady who will be greatly missed!
— Jeannette Price, July 19, 2021I am so sorry to hear of Bessie's passing. My dad and the McWaters family loved her dearly. RIP Bessie. Love Marge and Bob Dyce
— Marge Dyce, July 19, 2021Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Mom always spoke often about her. She enjoyed their walks around the block during mom's last few years. Wayne and Sandra
— Wayne and Sandra Lytle, July 19, 2021So very sorry to hear of Bessie's passing . Our condolences to the Small Family.
We have fond memories of Bessie from our days in the Conn-Cedarville area. Our sincere condolences to all the family. May her smile and the memories of a life well lived comfort you today and going forward.
— Al and Betty Seminowicz, July 19, 2021We extend our deepest sympathy to all of Aunt Bessie’s family. We will remember her as always having a smile and being very musical.
— Thelma & Barry Rawn & family, July 18, 2021To All of Aunt Bessie's Family. We were saddened to hear of her passing, you have our heart felt sympathies. Our families have shared many wonderful times together. She will be greatly missed.
Milton, Arlene, Tanya, Derek, Jen and Family
Our deepest sympathies to the family. Bessie was truly a caring "Conn" community person. She will be missed by all.
— Ken and Margy Smart, July 18, 2021What a lovely Life Story of a lovely person. We were blessed to have spent time with Bessie throughout the years. Always enjoyed our chats. We hope the many wonderful memories will ease the pain of your loss. Our deepest sympathies to all of Bessie’s family.
Warren & Betty
Bessie remains one of those unforgettable people who just made knowing her a pleasure. No matter the challenge or opportunity she looked on the positive and encouraged others to do the same. It was a privilege to have her mentorship while I was a student minister at Westcott United Church, Conn (and Morrison, Cedarville). So many great memories! She was so proud of her children, grands, greats, etc.... and her community. Please know you are held in my prayers. Blessings, Rev. Bonnie Holliday
— Bonnie Holliday, July 17, 2021We offer our sincere condolences to all of Bessie’s family on her passing. She will be dearly missed.
— Joe and Faye Meulensteen, July 17, 2021Our condolences to all the Small family.
We have many good memories of Aunt Bessie.
Thinking of you all , God Bless
Lillian Duncan and family
Condolences to Bessie's family. ...she had a life well lived. She was a favourite client in the shop, always ready for a laugh & my Mom Helen Smart wishes to send her sympathy as well. She has fond memories of many hard won games of Scrabble played with Bessie & their shared interest in knitting .
Donna Shaw
Greatest sympathies to the whole family .Bessie will be certainly missed by all. She always had a smile & a kind word for everyone. Bessie will be remembered as a real classy lady.
— Ron Parker & Judy Shoemaker, July 17, 2021so very sorry to hear of Aunt Bessie's passing
my heart goes out to all of you
So sorry for your loss to Bessie's family. She always had a smile when she greeted you. She will be missed by all. Beautiful obituary, pays tribute to what a great lady she was.
Mark and Joanne Byers and family
So sorry for your loss.
Bessie was a fine lady we are both lucky to have known her.
Bessie was a wonderful neighbour and friend always ready to have a iaugh or joke. My sympathy to all the family. Also fond memories of your Dad Ray.
Sincerely Esther Hunter
Ray & Marion and family
Sincere condolences to you and your families. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Marion, Les, Arnold & all of Bessie's family:
Our heartfelt condolences on your Mom's/Grandma's passing...Such a cheerful & lovely lady, who will be greatly missed!
with our prayers & caring for each of you as you grieve,
Gary & Gwynne
I worked at Strathcona and Im very sorry for the loss of Bessie. This was a beautifully written obituary. Clearly she was a very special lady.
— Shania, July 17, 2021Arnold and family sending our deepest condolences. Bessie was always so young at heart and lived a wonderful full life. She will be dearly missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Sincerely Al and Ruth
— Allan and Ruth McEachern, July 16, 2021What a beautiful obituary, for a wonderful women.
Bessie always had a smile and a kind word for all. She will be missed, but we are sure you have lots of fond memories.
What a beautiful obituary. She had such a wonderful soul...and always a twinkle in her eyes.
Bessie will truly be missed by all who loved her. Dennis and Lorri
I will miss Bessie, she was always so wonderful to talk to. My fondest memory was the first time I joined the choir at Westcott United and we practiced the hymns for the Sunday morning service. Bessie would keep us going "over and over" the hymns and then would say " That would just have to do" or " We got it". I am sure we all felt like she was a second mom to us. Rest in peace, Bessie.
— Mary Ellen Wiltshire (Huber), July 16, 2021