HAMPDEN – Bessie E. (Sawyer) Neal, 61, beloved wife of the late Robert C. Neal Sr., passed away Jan. 21, 2006, at a Bangor hospital after a brief illness. She was born Dec. 31, 1944, the daughter of Albert L. and Myrtie R. (Bowley) Sawyer. Bessie grew up in Winterport and was a graduate of Winterport High School, Class of 1962. She married Robert C. Neal Sr. Oct. 20, 1962. A longtime Hampden resident, Bessie worked at local shoe factories, Hannaford and for the past six years at Z.F. Lemforder in Brewer. She devoted her life to her family and spent much of her time with them. Bessie will be remembered as an inspiration to them and as a loyal and loving, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many. She enjoyed her cat, Buffy, who gave her much companionship after the loss of her husband and crafts, such as sewing, quilting, making mittens and candles. She also liked going to Foxwoods and especially her and Bob’s trips to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Bessie is survived by two daughters, Tammy J. York and her husband, Steve, of Milford and Brenda E. Quimby of Hampden; one son, Robert C. Neal Jr. of Richmond; one brother, Larry Sawyer and his wife, Barbara, of Winterport; three sisters, Joyce Palmer of Winterport, Mary Ginn and her husband, Bernard, of Winterport and Helen Willis of Cardville; her special granddaughter, Amanda York of Milford; brother-in-law, James Neal and his wife, Rella, of Kenduskeag; several nieces, nephews and many good friends and co-workers. Bessie was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Bob, in October 2004; her parents and by four sisters and one brother. Visiting hours will be held 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden, where a funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Dick Woehr, officiating. Interment in the springtime will be beside her husband in Lakeview Cemetery, Hampden. Messages of condolence or memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.
BESSIE E. NEAL
