WEATHERHEAD, Bessie Lauretta

The family of Bessie Lauretta Weatherhead are saddened to announce her death on April 1, 2024, at the QEII Infirmary Site, Halifax. Born in Upper Rawdon, to the late John Thomas and Ruth Estelle (Gilbert) Weatherhead, on March 3, 1940. Bessie was the fourth of seven children. Her father died suddenly when Bessie was 9 years old, and she and her siblings were raised by a very determined mother. Bessie attended Hants North Rural High School, until she struck off for a higher education, graduating from Mount A, in Sackville, N.B., and then University of Michigan. Bessie was instrumental in setting up several medical clinics in the Boston area, until she finally decided to move to Toronto, where she worked with the Minister of Health, Province of Ontario. Bessie lived in Toronto for many years. She made close friends, with whom she kept in contact, after all these years. Bessie returned back to Upper Rawdon, to provide support for her aging mother. Bessie loved spending time in her flower gardens and was extremely proud of her gardens. She took every opportunity to show off her flowers. She was always more than willing to share her knowledge of the various plants in her gardens, and one usually left her, with plants she had just dug out of her gardens, to start one’s own garden. During winter months, when she could not get out in her gardens, Bessie spent time knitting. Many people received gifts of homemade sweaters, mittens or socks, both family and neighbors alike. Bessie leaves behind to mourn her passing, brother, Richard (Elsbeth), Upper Rawdon; sisters, Wilma Duncan, Hamilton, Ontario, Verna Chernoff, Castlegar, B.C.; sistersin-law, Doreen, Annie and Nancy; nieces, Barb (Brian Hagell), Nancy, Debbie, Lisa (Ryan Casey), Jennifer Weatherhead-harrington (Justin), Sara Duncan; nephews, Dale, David and Tom (Jennifer). Besides her parents she was predeceased by brothers, Gilbert, Keith and Ronald “Bud”; brothers-inlaw, Arthur Duncan, Harry; nephew, Danny. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Ettinger Funeral Homes, Shubenacadie and Elmsdale. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. on Sunday April 7th, at Ettinger Funeral Home, 2812 Highway 2 Shubenacadie. Following there will be a graveside service held at Upper Rawdon United Cemetery. Donations in memory of Bessie may be made to 4H, Hants North Food Bank or Upper Rawdon Cemetery Fund. Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Bessie may be shared with the family at: www.ettingerfuneralhome.com