Born December 4, 1927 in Telkwa, B.C. passed away March 6, 2003 at her home in Fraser Lake. B.C., after a ten-month struggle with cancer. Bessie’s nurturing ways with children, her passion for music, and the unconditional love she gave to all those around her are the gifts she will long be remembered for. Congratulations Mom, on a life well lived. You will always be our greatest treasure.
Bessie is survived by her loving husband Edward (Ted) Whitehead of Fraser Lake, B.C., and her children: Thorne Johnson of Prince George, B.C.; Ross (Lynn) Johnson of Quesnel, B.C.; Grant (Lendy Thompson) Johnson of 100 Mile House, B.C.; Lorna (Gary) Townsend of Quesnel, B.C.; Evan (Lilianne) Johnson of Peace River, Alberta; Colin (Alice) Whitehead of Lumby, B.C.; Shelly (Nick) Foley of Sexsmith, Alberta ; Susan Whitehead-Golding of Vernon, B.C.; Louie Johnston of Fraser Lake; (Lavinia) Johnson of Red Deer, Alberta; (Patricia) Johnson of Williams Lake, B.C.; (Jack) Stickney of Williams Lake, B.C.; and many, many other “special” children. She is also survived by 25 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; her mother, Ivy Middleton of Smithers, B.C., and siblings: Bill (Joan) Middleton of Terrace, B.C.; Kathleen (Phil) Parker of Terrace, B.C.; Sandy (Jenny) Middleton of Kispiox, B.C.; and Graham (Ida) Middleton of Prince Rupert, B.C.. Bessie was predeceased by her daughter, Sandy Stickney, and her father, Jack Middleton, and her siblings: Jackie Middleton, Ted Middleton, Dolly Brandon and May Korolyk.
Bessie was a strong supporter of education. She not only had children in her care in the local school system for 50 years, but also, at age 72, she returned to school, graduating with honors in 2000. Donations in Bessie’s memory may be made to the Bessie Whitehead Memorial Scholarship Fund, which has been established for students of Fraser Lake Secondary School. Donations to this fund may be mailed to Box 307, Fraser Lake, B.C. V0J 1S0 or dropped off at FLESS. Alternatively, donations may also be made to the Fraser Lake Hospice Society, Box 369, Fraser Lake, B.C.