Bessie Emma Andrews

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Bessie Emma Andrews. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Bessie was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

She was the daughter of Fred and Florence Green. Bessie was raised in Kiantone, New York and Busti, New York. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Bessie was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Bessie's personality throughout her life.

Though Bessie was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Bessie was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Bessie worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Bessie was raised with six siblings. Bessie had an older brother Elton, younger sisters Helen, Isabelle, Viola, Violet and Annabelle. Bessie and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Bessie was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Bessie was always tactful. One thing Bessie will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Bessie had a number of interests and was an active child. She was part of a choir.

For Bessie, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Bessie was also adept at details. Bessie was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Lakewood High School in 1946. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Choir and Economics. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. Bishop.

There was one thing that all of Bessie's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Bessie was such a popular person throughout her life. But Bessie was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Bessie was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Bessie was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Bessie was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Bessie was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Bessie made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Beatrice Dederen, Dorothy Bush, and Jean Clark.

Bessie was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Bessie cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. Compassionate and devoted, Bessie worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Bessie and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Bessie was blessed with three children, one daughter Judy, and two son's Gary and Jeffery. Bessie was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Bessie was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Bessie would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Bessie, and she expected the same from those around her. Bessie was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Bessie was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Bessie handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was a shipping and receiving clerk. She was employed for 15 years with Decco Felt. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Bessie enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were camping, traveling, and playing the organ.

Bessie was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Bessie was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included outdoor camping. Bessie also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity.

Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Bessie to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Bessie did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Bessie was a member of the Choir, TOPS, and Relief society.

Bessie was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. She was appreciated and respected. She could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about her own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that she was active and highly valued by those in her community, serving on committees for the relief society.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Bessie well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of LDS for 45 years. During that time, she was involved with the Relief Society, Food Bank, Home Teaching and the Store House. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

Not only did Bessie enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations were to New York.

Bessie was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Sparky, a Chihuahua, who was a best friend for 7 years.

Since it was easy for Bessie to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Bessie was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1991. Her new life involved relocating to Glendora, California. In retirement, she found new pleasure in camping and traveling. Even in retirement, Bessie stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

Bessie passed away on September 24, 2011 at Inter-Community Hospital in Covina, California of Heart Failure. She is survived by her husband, children and grandchildren. Services were held at LDS Church in Covina, California. Bessie was laid to rest in Oakdale Memorial Park in Glendora, California.

Bessie was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Bessie was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Bessie Emma Andrews.