Bessie Drey
Jan. 1, 1919 - March 7, 2007
Bessie died at the Bulkley Lodge March 7, 2007. Born in Mountain Grove, Missouri. Her family moved to Coville, Washington, in April 1936, where she met and married her first husband Gordon Saffel. They had five children together - four boys: Robert, Gerald, David, Steven and one girl, Mary. Bessie lost her first husband Gordon in a mining accident in 1955. Bessie raised her family alone for the next few years.
Bessie married her second husband, Kenneth Drey, in 1959. They had one daughter, Diana. Bessie and Ken both loved B.C. so they moved with their three youngest children still at home to Smithers in 1967.
Bessie was predeceased by her husband Kenneth in 1996, oldest son Robert Saffel in 1973, grandson Kenneth Saffel.
Bessie is survived by sons Gerald (Elsa), David (Valerie), Steven (Maureen), daughters Mary (Dale), Diana (Todd), 10 of 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, an done great-great-grandchild.
A private service will be held later this summer for family by her wishes.
Bessie’s family wishes to thank the staff of the Bulkley Lodge for all their help and care, Dr. Kotze, Smithers Hospice Especial Dee Reid, any donating can be made to Bulkley Lodge or Smithers Hospice.