Dorothy F. Bessen

TWO RIVERS, Wis. — Dorothy F. Bessen, 88, of Ewen, Mich., passed away Jan. 5, 2013, in Two Rivers.

She was born on Dec. 25, 1924, to the late Harry and Beatrice (Carr) Albright. Dorothy attended Ewen High School, graduating in 1942, and attended secretary school in Duluth, Minn. She married Ernest Bessen in 1945 and they made their home on numerous Army bases until settling down in Ewen.

Dorothy became the choir director of the famous Sacred Heart Singers. She worked for the Ewen-Trout Creek School District as a bus driver for 20 years, where she touched and influenced the lives of many students during that time. Dorothy continued her musical talents as an organist at several churches in the area up into her 80s.

Dorothy is survived by a son, Ernest “Skip” Bessen (Donna); a daughter, Marie (Ron) Kalista; grandchildren, Matthew Bessen (Dana), John Kalista (Shoko), Tony Bessen (Leslie) and Jill Bessen (Travis Ramlow); three great-grandchildren, Elliott, Nolan and Jenna; and a brother, Harry Albright (Mary).

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest; son, Robert; granddaughter, Melissa; and her sister, Margorie.

A memorial service will be held Monday, May 13, at 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ewen.

Visitation will begin at noon.

Inurnment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ewen.

Dorothy was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.