In Memory of

Bessie

Monahan

(Welsby)

Obituary for Bessie Monahan (Welsby)

MONAHAN, Bessie Ethel (nee Welsby)
Passed away peacefully at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre on Friday, August 12, 2022 in her 103rd year. Beloved wife of 50 years to the late Herbert (d.1997). Devoted mother of Maureen O’Neill and her husband Al O’Neill. Loving grandmother of Shawn O’Neill (Janice Wing), Tim O’Neill (Jenn Montieth), Kelly O’Neill (Kevin Bryenton) and Shannon O’Neill. Proud great-grandmother of 7 great-grandchildren. Survived by her sister Joan Watters (the late George). Predeceased by her brothers Fred (Georgette) and Harry (Marie-Paule). Fondly remembered by nieces and nephews, family friends and former students.
Bessie was born in Quebec City, November 13, 1919. She taught in one room schoolhouses in the Eastern Townships of Quebec before going to La Tuque, Quebec to teach French. There she met Herb, just returned from WWII. They married in 1946 and remained in La Tuque where they raised their daughter. Bessie taught at La Tuque High School for 30 years. In 1977 they moved to Peterborough to be near their family. Bessie was a talented knitter, avid reader, enjoyed keeping her mind sharp with various activities, and until covid shut things down, she continued her daily walks. Most of all she loved spending time with her family. Bessie lived her last 12 years at Jackson Creek Retirement Residence. Thank you to the kind staff there. We are grateful to the excellent and caring doctors and nurses at PRHC for the care she received in her final few days.
Family and friends are invited to call at the ASHBURNHAM FUNERAL HOME, 840 Armour Rd. Peterborough on Thursday Aug. 18 from 1p.m. to 2p.m. Funeral Service to begin at 2 p.m. Reception to follow. Private family interment at Highland Park Cemetery. In loving memory of Bessie, a donation to the charity of your choice or a random act of kindness would be sincerely appreciated. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ashburnhamfuneral.ca