December 9, 1914
- March 14, 2010
Bessie Brown passed away peacefully at the Drumheller Health Centre on March 14, 2010 at the age of 95. She was born December 9, 1914 to Eudavilla and Ezra Sands. She was raised on the family homestead near Rosedale. After high school, Bessie attended Normal School in Calgary. She then worked with her family’s dairy herd and delivered milk to the mining families in Rosedale. On September 3, 1946 she married Bill Brown of Brown’s Dairy of Drumheller. Their son Carson was born September 23, 1947. After the flood of 1948, they moved to the family farm. Here they raised their son and continued farming, as well as starting Subway Coal with brother Mark Sands and Roland Nelson. They then expanded into the ready mix concrete business, Fish Lake Sand and Gravel, with another partner, George Doel. Bill passed away sudddenly February 14, 1962 and Bessie continued on in her role as mother, as well as the bookkeeper of the businesses, raising her Angus cattle and farming. She was a woman with much strength and lived a full life with determination and dignity. As an avid dinosaur bone enthusiast she spent many hours exploring the hills and valleys she loved. Her last years were spent in Continuing Care where she was tenderly cared for. Bessie was predeceased by her husband, William (Bill) Brown, parents Eudavilla and Ezra Sands, brother Mark and sister-in-law Willia Sands, brothers-in-law and wives Fred (Chrissie) Brown, Tommy (Gladys) Brown, and Carson Brown. She is survived by her son Carson and daughter-in-law Susan, as well as sister-in-law Peggy Brown. She will be remembered as a kindly Aunt Bessie by many nieces and nephews. At her request there will be no funeral service. If desired, charitable donations may be made to the Recreation Department Special Purpose Fund/Continuing Care at the Drumheller Health Centre, 351 9th Street N.W. Drumheller, Alberta T0J 0Y1
