I had the pleasure of meeting my cousin, Jessie, in 1999 at the home of her nephew, Don (and Vicki) Bell, when I travelled to Ontario on a geneological expedition. Jessie and my paternal grandmother, Maria Lett Bell of Ottawa were first cousins. Their grandparents, Dr. William Ralph Bell and Jessie Forrester Morrison, immigrated from Yorkshire to Ottawa in 1866. It was so interesting to hear about Jessie's childhood....growing up near Cochrane, Alberta....compared to my grandmother's childhood in Ottawa. Don reminded me that Jessie was amused that she "was born in a Dog Pound and her birth registered at Beaver Dam". Everyone loved Jessie...she was one of the givers in life which exemplified her strong Christian faith.  You will all miss her dearly, especially Don and Vicki. God bless.

Aunt Jessie was always prominent in my life. She helped my mother care for me shortly after I was born, and I cannot recall a time in my 68 years when she wasn't present. I remember visits to their little house on No. 7 Highway, and she and Art lived with us while they built their new house across the road on Burnham line. Jessie always found time to play with me during the day, and I would eagerly await Art's arrival home from work, often with a tiny box of Chiclets. What a treat!

Rifle Range school was within walking distance, and as I passed by their house in the mornings, Jessie would often smile and wave at me from the front window or doorway. After school, it became a treat to stop at Jessie's on the way home for milk and cookies and to watch Roy Rogers on their television. Sometimes, I'd get invited to stay for supper on the provision that I let Mom know. However, supper at our home was often served late because of the farm chores, and I would "forget" to tell Mom when she prepared a favorite meal, and I was still hungry.

Jessie and Art were always there; I benefited from having two sets of parents. It was just like that. They took me on holidays, Sunday drives, and we enjoyed annual winter picnics on snowshoes. Jessie was a positive influence, and a listening ear during my high school years, though I was a typical teen who often felt misunderstood. Through it all, Jessie's love was a constant support. Later in life, when I married Vicki, Jessie became her aunt too. That's just the way Jessie was; she accepted everyone in her life as a close family member. Vicki often says that Jessie is the one person she met who has demonstrated God's unconditional love.

Jessie was also a loving aunt to our two boys. Early in our marriage, we lived in an apartment, so our garden was at Art and Jessie's. Jessie enjoyed watching Art chasing the boys down the rows of vegetables while they shrieked with laughter. So many fun times! When Peter and Andrew grew older, they greatly valued Jessie's unfailing presence in their lives. Our adopted daughters also sensed Jessie's love and acceptance.

Throughout the years, I was well aware that I shared Jessie, for she loved each of her nephews and nieces equally. All have wonderful memories and shared experiences with Jessie and Art. And there's Jessie's extended family, her friends and neighbors, and Jason and Angela who became very close to her while growing up next door. Jessie really had no favorites. When you were with her, you were her favorite. That was Jessie. Her heart was big enough to love us all.

It broke our hearts when the time came for Jessie to leave her beloved house and enter a nursing home, but she was strong and determined to make herself a life while there. She made new friends, enjoyed every activity, attended services, knitted, and she loved to sing while roaming the hallways in her wheelchair. Visits were always special, as Jessie enjoyed beating us at checkers or crokinole, and she always asked about family. Her knitted dish cloths are a constant reminder of her. 

Jessie often told us that we were in her prayers and, believe me, we valued those prayers. Aunt Jessie, you were truly a blessing to us; we shall always be grateful. We shall never forget you.

Don & Vicki

Aunt Jessie was the gentlest & happiest person I've ever known.  We will miss her very much.  

Nancy & John

OBITUARY

A. Jessie Bell Sayer

24 August, 1911 – 25 April, 2015

Comstock-Kaye Life Celebration Centre

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