GELDART, (TANDY) BESSIE MARGARET - It is with joy for her, and sadness for ourselves, that we announce the death of our mother, Bessie Margaret Geldart (Tandy). A deeply spiritual person, we take comfort in knowing she has escaped her physical bonds and that her spirit has gone home to be with her Lord. Born in England, our mother served in the Royal Air Force (UK) during the Second World War where, as a driver, she took great pride in being able to handle any kind of vehicle. It was there during her military service that she met and married our Canadian father. She left her home and family in England and came to Canada as a war-bride with her first babe in arms. She was known for her beautiful smile which she bestowed generously on all those she met. She was quick to laugh and could see the humour in everyday events; our home was regularly filled with laughter. A loving and nurturing woman, she cherished her family and was particularly close to us, her three daughters, and to her four very special grandchildren. She also took great delight in visits from her seven great-grandchildren. Her love/concern for others extended to the community and she sent cards/notes to "shut-ins" regularly for many years before her sight deteriorated. When her health began to impair her mobility, she became a "prayer warrior" which she considered as "her calling" - we often quipped that we knew she had a "direct line to God". Our mother loved music and had a wonderful singing voice. She sang in the choir and rocked and sang us to sleep when we were young, one of our earliest and most cherished memories. Our mother was generous and freely gave to charities and anyone in need. Over her last several years she took great joy in choosing and giving to her family many of her treasured possessions. Our mother was predeceased by our father, Douglas Geldart; two siblings, Allen Tandy and Derek Tandy in the UK; and a devoted nephew, Leonard Steeves. She is survived by her brother, Roy Tandy and sister, Edna Waters in England, her loving sister-in-law, Anna St Laurent; loving friend, Doris LeBlanc; and numerous nieces and nephews, both in Canada and the UK. She will be greatly missed by her daughters, Sandra Tingley (Michael), Jean Murray (Ray) and Denise McWilliam (Fred); her grandchildren, David Murray, Tim Murray, Sherisse McWilliam-Hughes and Andrea McWilliam Cook.
Respecting her wishes, there will be no visitation. A graveside service for the family will be held at Fair Haven Memorial Gardens on Wednesday, July 31 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that, should you wish, you make a donation to a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Fair Haven Funeral Home, 1177 Salisbury Road, Moncton (506) 852-3530. The family invites you to send online condolences to www.fairhavenmemorial.ca