Obituary of Bessie Catherine Bombardieri

March 16, 1924 – Castor, Alberta

June 17, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Bessie C. Bombardieri (nee Scott) passed away on Monday, June 17, 2024, in Calgary, AB. Born on March 16, 1924, in Castor, AB, Bessie lived to be 100 years, three months, and one day, and often said, “I’ve had a wonderful life.”

Bessie graduated from the Royal Alex Hospital in 1946 as an R.N. and loved her nursing career. She worked in Ponoka, Montreal, New Jersey, New York, and finally Calgary, spending the last fourteen years working at the Glenmore Auxiliary, retiring in 1988. Bessie continued to be an active member of the Royal Alex Alumni Association.

In retirement, Bessie enjoyed hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and travelling the world with her husband and with the 5th Dimension Hiking Club, as well as the M&M Hiking group. Bessie and Guerino made many lifelong friends as they hiked and travelled.

Bessie was predeceased by her parents, Bob and Muriel Scott; her husband Guerino Bombardieri, and her sister Phyllis Ziegler. She is survived by her brother-in-law Al Bombardieri, her daughter Sandra (Henrik) Johansen, her sons, David (Linda) Bombardieri and Robert Bombardieri; her two granddaughters, Lauren (Andrew) Harrison and Natalie Bombardieri; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends around the world.

Bessie walked most days until very late in her life, always engaging with her neighbours and enjoying the neighbourhood families as they grew and changed. She was surrounded by wonderful neighbours, friends, and family who enriched her life. Bessie was described as a remarkable woman of strength, persistence, humour, and gratitude for life. We will miss you, Mom. You lived life to the fullest and have now found peace.

“May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” Many of those angels worked on Unit 73 at Rocky View Hospital, and we are grateful for your compassionate care. A special thank-you to Leslie Sharpe, who helped care for Mom at home until February 2024. A heartfelt thanks to her neighbours, friends, nieces, and nephews who continued to visit and enjoy her company throughout the years.

A Celebration of Bessie’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be held at Queen’s Park Cemetery at a later date.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Bombardieri’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Bessie's family here.

In living memory of Bessie Bombardieri, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Bessie's Celebration of Life