Bassett Family Association Database

Edward F. Bessette

Male 1919 - 2017  (98 years)


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  • Name Edward F. Bessette 
    Born 4 Feb 1919  Malletts Bay, Vermont Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    _UID B9DEDDEC2F2B364A928AF709B6F3C25C1D45 
    Died 27 Oct 2017 
    Notes 
    • The Burlington Free Press, November 3, 2017
      Edward F. Bessette (1919-2017

      Pfc. Edward F. Bessette, age 98, passed away peacefully, Friday morning, October 27, 2017 at the home of his daughter in Underhill.

      Edward was born February 4, 1919 in Malletts Bay, the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Sweeney) Bessette. He attended school until 8th grade, then went to work various jobs in the area.

      In 1941 he enlisted in the Army and served four years with the Battery A 211th Field Artillery in WWII. Edward loved sharing his many stories of his life growing up, the middle child, in a very large family, all those years ago. He also talked about his adventures while in the War. After waiting over 60 years to receive his medals, The American Legends Post 91 in Colchester honored him at a special dinner and presented his medals in front of his family and friends. This was a proud moment in his life!

      Returning home after the war Edward worked on farms in Vermont and Massachusetts. He spoke very highly of his job on Herpes Dairy in New Braintree, MA, which he had to leave to come home to care for his mother and the house he grew up in. Once back in Vermont he worked for Reed & Stone Construction in Essex Junction until retiring in 1981. On March 28, 1981 he married Ilamae Bessette and together they raised a family. He kept busy in the winter ice fishing with his family and friends, in Summer he was busy working in his vegetable garden. His rather large garden was known for how beautiful the veggies were and you would never find any weeds in it.

      Edward is survived by his step sister Helen Lavee of Colorado Springs, CO; his step children Arthur (Brenda) Bessette of Milton, Pauline Davaris of Sudbury, MA, Peter Davaris (Tsiala) of Burlington, Mary (Robert) Martelle of Underhill. Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Edward was lucky to meet and hold his youngest great grandson August John Martelle born on October 4th, 2017. Many nieces and nephews, some that he has reconnected with over the last few years.

      Besides his parents and siblings, Edward was predeceased by his wife Ilamae in 2000, his step daughter Linda LaRocque in 2004.

      There will be no visiting hours per Edwards request. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday November 10, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Holy Cross Church, 416 Church Road, Colchester. Interment, with Military Honors, will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. Lunch will be served in church hall after service.

      In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Edward's memory to Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden & Grand Isle Counties (VNA) 1110 Prim Rd, Colchester, VT 05446. His family would like to thank the VNA for keeping Edward in A1 shape. He lived a quality life with regular visits from his Home Health nurse. The Hospice team of nurses and doctors were outstanding too. Thank you so much.

      Arrangements are in the care of Stephen C. Gregory and Son Cremation Service of South Burlington, Vermont.

    Person ID I8768  14B Jean Besset of Quebec
    Last Modified 7 Nov 2017 

    Father Joseph David Bessette,   b. 2 Mar 1886, Colchester, Chittenden Co., Vermont Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 17 Nov 1931, Vermont Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 45 years) 
    Mother Mary (Peturia) Sweeney 
    Family ID F1642  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart