Obituary of Bessie Louise Begley

Bessie “Louise” Begley, 99 years old, died Sunday February 27th, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Jewett, NY on July 6th, 1922 to the late Ernest and Mabel (Rice) Merwin. She was the beloved wife of the late Alexander Begley, Sr. who predeceased her in 1995.  Louise was a graduate of Hunter-Tannersville Central School in 1938 at 16 years old. She then went on to become a nurse working at Willow Brook State Hospital in Staten Island, NY for 22 years. Alec and her resided in Staten Island for many years and in 1977, after retirement, they moved back to the area, residing in Windham, NY.  After retirement Bessie worked for Dr. Steven Bock in Jewett, NY for several more years. 

Bessie was very active in her community. She was a member of the Windham Hose Company Ladies Auxilary, The Golden Ages, The Windham Planning Board and a member of St. Theresa’s Church.  If you didn’t see her in any of these locations you probably saw her getting lottery tickets or yelling “Bingo” somewhere nearby.  One of her biggest assets in life was always being there to help her family or friends. The beautiful family she loved, and the love she received from them was a treasure. 

Survivors include, her son and his wife, Alexander “Mickey” (Candace) Begley of Windham NY, Daughter in law Linda Begley of NJ. Six grandchildren; Pamela (Richard) Weiner in Oregon, Patrick (Julie) Begley in Jewett NY, Melissa (Berendt) Guglberger in NJ, Tarah Begley, Cassandra (Cody) Tallman, Crystyn (Joshua) Begley-Montana all of Windham, NY. She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren, sister in law Patricia Merwin and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her son Patrick Begley (2021) and her siblings Nancy, Margie, Percy and Paul. 

At Bessie’s request there will be no calling hours or funeral. A memorial graveside service will take place at a later date.

The family would like to take the time to thank all the staff at Columbia Greene Hospice, Amy Shoesmith, NP, Deacon Peter, and the staff at Livingston Hills Nursing Home. A special thank you is given to a long time family friend, Ruth Pelkey, for taking such good care of our mother/grandmother in her time of need. 

“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years”