ERSKINE, ELIZABETH JANE QUARTERMAIN (March 6th, 1930 to March 30th, 2009) Elizabeth (Bessie) passed away on Monday, March 30th, 2009 at the Oromocto General Hospital. She is survived by her second husband Paul Erskine, her children Robert Quartermain, Debra Quartermain, granddaughters Amanda and Kathleen Bentley, sister-in-law Ann and several nieces and nephews. Her first husband, Allan Quartermain passed away in 1979. Elizabeth began her teaching career in St. Stephen at age seventeen. After moving with family to Saint John she taught for several years in Loch Lomond and then ran her own kindergarten program. Always generous and kind she cared for her students and was involved in the church and Meals on Wheels. She returned to St. Stephen following the death of her first husband Allan, remarried and remained until her final year where health issues brought her to Fredericton to live at Ste. Anne's Court near her daughter. She enjoyed a good year there in her beautiful apartment with her family close by, her son, husband visiting often and two special friends Linda and Kate who cared for her lovingly. Bessie spent a week each summer in St. Andrews by the ocean she always loved with Bob, Deb, Amanda and Kate. It was here after a lovely afternoon spent by the water with Amanda and Kate, Bessie wrote the words she wanted read when she was gone. Her last few days were peaceful surrounded by her immediate family and dear friend Linda, her favourite music playing softly in the background and a lovely pink scarf draped across her arms. In her own words "A Message of Thanks, this is a really a thank you to all the people who helped me along my life journey. To the people who really knew me and have loved me all of my life, who will hold me, close in their hearts. These are the people who also hold a place in my heart. ...I am glad I had this time on earth. I was truly blessed to have met and married two wonderful men, Allan and Paul...My children Deb and Bob know the place they hold in my heart, how much they are loved, the pride I have in their accomplishments. The joy of having Amanda and Kate. I was happy to have my stepdaughter Sue and my grandsons Spencer and Alex in my life....There are so many people in our lives, family, friends, bridge club, church, people we work with and people who are there for us when times are tough. These are the people who hold special places in your heart." A private service was held in St. Stephen at The S. O. Mehan and Son Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 1st, 2009 with a reception following at niece Pat Smith's home where Bessie was lovingly remembered by family and close friends. A memorial service will be held later this year. Those wishing to honour Bessie with a remembrance please make a donation to a charity which is close to your heart. We are sincerely grateful for all of the loving messages and tributes from friends and family. Our mother touched many lives and her gentle loving spirit we will carry always in our hearts. With deepest gratitude, Robert and Debra Quartermain.