Bessie was born in Tucson, Arizona on November 1, 1924 to Bessie M. and Edward Hernandez. She departed this life 1 day shy of 95 years on Thursday afternoon, October 31, 2019 at BSA Hospice of the Southwest in Amarillo, Texas.
Bessies family moved to California when she was 10 years of age.
In California was where she met the love of her life commuting on the same bus as Jack Stirling. Although smitten with him, Bessie did not accept his first two requests to have coffee together.
They enjoyed married life together for over 30 years until his death in 1981.
Bessie started her career immediately after graduating High School at AT&T. In a short time, she was promoted as a supervisor of operations. She worked there for over 40 years until her retirement. She was described by one of here co-workers as “one of the smartest ladies I’ve ever met”.
In 1946 Bessie hired Immaculate (Peggy) Quinto on at the phone company. Although Bessie, known as “the boss” was Peggy’s supervisor, they soon became close friends. Little did they know it was the beginning of a life-long friendship.
Bessie and her best friend, Peggy, decided to move to Amarillo, Texas in 1993 and start a new journey in life. Their friendship lasted over 70 years in total with the last 26 years sharing a home together.
Bessie & Peggy were actively involved at Amarillo’s St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. They remained loyal parishioners until recently after Bessie became unable to travel to and from church.
Since becoming friends, Bessie has wholeheartedly been a part of the entire Qunito and Frank Baughman families and became an integral member and icon of the entire group and their circle of friends.
Bessie will be best remembered for her care-free and fun way of enjoying life, her incredible cooking skills, and her deep compassion for human life and comfort. In several cases, she gave her full time support to personally move in and care for members of Peggy’s family in time of need.
Up to the end of life on earth, Bessie could always be found enjoying her personal “cocktail hour” at the end of the day and looking forward to her next trip to Las Vegas or Santé Fe New Mexico!
Sweet Aunt Bessie always had that smile on her face that lit up any room she entered and will be missed by all that came in contact with her.
Survivors include:
• Her best friend Immaculate (Peggy) Qunito of over 70 years
• Niece: Virginia B. Hernandez
• Niece: Diane M. Lucero
• 3-Great Nieces
• 2-Great Nephews
Proceeded in Death by:
• Mother & Father
• Husband: Jack Stirling
• Sister: Laura M. Hernandez
• Two Brothers, Edward and Fred
• 2-Great nephews
Mass will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church on 4100 S. Coulter Street in Amarillo. Reverend John Valdez will be officiating.
Interment will be in Tucson, Arizona alongside her sister, Laura.
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