Obituary of Bessie Jean McLaren

McLaren, Bessie Jean August 6, 1917 - June 23, 2017 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother and grandmother Bessie Jean McLaren (nee Cross). Formerly of North Bay, she died at Golden West Lodge in Winnipeg on Friday June 23, 2017 , while in her 100th year. Predeceased by her husband Harry in 2001, her parents Rueben and Viola Cross, her five siblings Jack, Cecil, Glen, Lloyd Cross and Helen Smith, her grandchildren Jessica Mahoney, Diana Palmerton and Scott Mahoney. She is survived by her only daughter Jean Wright (John), grandchildren Wendy Mahoney (Glen), Debra Jansz, great-grandchildren Chrystal Jansz-Rieken (Kasey), Melissa Mahoney (Jearum Kurtz), and great-great-grandmother of Kaegan, Koehn, Ahser Rieken, Madisyn, Jaidyn, Jillyan, Mackenzy Kurtz and Alyssa Hibbert . She is also survived by sister-in-laws Juanita McLaren and Clela McLaren, andmany cousins, nieces and nephews. She was born at home August 6, 1917 and was raised on the family farm in Eau Claure, Ontario attending school and church there. She attended "young peoples" at the United Church and loved to dance at the neighbour farmhouses where she met Harry. Mom and Dad were married in the United Church in Mattawa, Ontario January 25, 1939. Together they farmed in Rutherglen for the first 16 years, then moved to North Bay, Schumacher, and Picton, then returned to North Bay in 1978. They enjoyed many summers at the cottage on Lake Talon and 26 years at their condo in Florida. She was very proud of her heritage as a great-great granddaughter and direct descendant of a United Empire Loyalist. She made many trips to the original farm land granted to the Cross family on Landon Bay as U.E.L, which is now owned and managed by Parks Canada. Some of her greatest joys in her latter years were the little ones in the family, always having to talk with them and show off the latest pictures. She had attended Calving Presbyterian Church in North Bay before transferring to Westwood Presbyterian Church in Winnipeg. After making many trips to Winnipeg to visit grandchildren, at the very young age of 94, she decided she would like to move to be close all the time. After a few independent years living at Westhaven Retirement Centre she relocated into Golden West Lodge where she resided until her passing. She was well loved by all who knew her and will be forever remembered for her smile. Visitation with family will be held from 12 noon until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. at MARTYN FUNERAL HOME on Wednesday, June 28th, 2017. Interment will follow, beside her husband, in the Cross family plot at Calvin Township Cemetery. If desired, donations to the Nipissing Serenity Hospice or charity of choice would be gratefully acknowledged as expressions of sympathy. Online condolences at www.martynfh.com