Bessie Elizabeth Doris Nightingale (nee: Rowsell) passed peacefully away surrounded by her devoted family at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital at the age of 83.  

Predeceased by her loving husband Robert Nightingale on June 4, 2025; her Parents: Arthur and Minnie Rowsell (nee: Cooper); Brothers: Cecil Warford (Shirley) and Maxwell Rowsell; Sister-In-Law: Ruth Payne; Step-Granddaughter: Holly Swinimer; Parents-In-Law: Edgar and Una Nightingale; Brother-In-Law: David Nightingale; and, Great-Niece Laura Green. 

Leaving with many warm memories are her children Kelly Collins (Dean), Kent Wells (Kim) and Krista Wells; Stepchildren: Scott (Carolann), Steve (Lorrie) and Susie (Stephen); Siblings Violet “Sis” Monk (Gordon), Smith Rowsell (Florence) and John Payne; Sisters-In-Law Elizabeth Rowsell and Sandra Nightingale; Grandchildren: Candace Collins (Jamie), Cara Collins (David), Danielle Scarff, Mike Nightingale (Megan), Michael Price, Matt Nightingale (Jennifer), Ryan Nightingale (Katrina), Rylie Nightingale, William Swinimer, Emily Mitton (Isaac), Cicero Hope, Stephen Swinimer, Heather Swinimer; Great-Grandchildren: Mia, Gage, Elena, Ryder, Joseph, Grayson, Preston and Kaitlyn; many Nieces and Nephews.

Bessie was born in Point Leamington, NL. Throughout her career, Bessie owned a hair salon, worked in childcare, and retired as a clerk from the Salvation Army Grace General Hospital. Bessie loved gardening and took pride in making her flower beds beautiful and unique. She tried her hand at many creative pursuits, including painting, sewing, and quilting. Bessie loved to share her cookies and always had something on hand to share with family, friends and neighbours. Bessie and Bob were married for 38 loving years. They were devoted to each other as partners and friends. They enjoyed gardening, cards, flea markets, and entertaining their group of friends and family in their spare time.

A special thank you to Westbury Estate staff and care team, as well as the staff of the St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, for the care and kindness they showed Bessie.

Cremation has taken place at Bessie’s request.  

Bessie and Bob were inseparable in life and in death. With this in mind, the family will be honouring their commitment to each other with a joint visitation, funeral and inurnment.

Visitation to take place at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, June 12th.    Funeral service will be held at the Salvation Army Citadel on Friday, June 13 at 2:00 p.m., with interment to follow at the Salvation Army Cemetery.