Obituary of Bessie Webb

WEBB, Bessie Eileen (1914-2012) Now that I am wearied of the day, I will let the friendly, starry night greet all my ardent desires like a sleepy child. Hands, stop all your work. Brow, forget all your thinking. All my senses now yearn to sink into slumber. I am sad to announce the death of my remarkable mother, Bessie Eileen Webb, on Saturday, November 10th at the wonderful age of 98. Although her death is sad, it gives our families a chance to reflect on a life lived to the fullest with family, friends and travel. She died peacefully at Grace Hospital, Toronto. Wife of the late Dwight (d. 1984), sister to the late Helen Johnson and William Hunter, loving and devoted mother to her son Marshall (Ann Matrundola), Bessie will be remembered fondly by her niece Joan (Hugh) and nephew Robert (Luisa) her sister-in-law Margaret and their families. In addition to the self-titled matriarch of the Hunter family, she was also honourary grandmother to Jack and Clark Stodgell who with their parents Jodi and Bob gave my mother much joy when they visited or had dinners together along with Vicki Pullen. My mother cherished her family connections. I am also grateful for the devoted friendship shown my mother for years by Rosemary Campbell, Linda Ridley and Barbara Worden. If sainthood is possible in this life then Christie Rosares deserves the honour. She along with her two daughters ,Maya and Moyesa, made the past two years joyous for my mother on their daily visits to help with her care. I thank them profoundly. Thank you also to the staff at Hillcrest Rehabilitation and the Palliative Care unit of Grace Hospital. Born in Belleville, June 2, 1914, Bessie spent her working years with books. She worked in the Legislative Library at Queen's Park and then for over 40 years at the Albert Britnell Bookshop. Both she and my father, inveterate readers, instilled in me a love of books and reading as well as the importance of always trying one's best. Forever the traveler, Bessie was always planning a trip somewhere. The travel brochures and guides were piled around her chair. She made trips to all but one continent, but her last two trips (aged 96 and 97) with me to the south of Ireland were magical. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (South of Davisville Avenue) from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 13th . Private family burial in Bowmanville. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Scholarships Programme of the Think Ahead campaign for Upper Canada College, 200 Lonsdale Road, Toronto, M4V 1W6 . Thank you. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.