Bessie Henderson

Bessie Wood Henderson, 91, formerly of Watkins Glen, NY passed away as the result of a fall on Friday, March 5, 2010. Bessie was predeceased by her parents Christopher and Lena Mae Wood Burley and her husband William J. Henderson. She is survived by her son Gary, his wife Patricia, and her four grandchildren Gregg and his wife Liza, William, Michael, and Katharine. Bessie was blessed with three great-grandchildren Mason, Emily, and Madeline Henderson as well as a beloved niece Beverly Craver and her husband Donald who also survive. Bessie graduated from Elmira Business Institute and began a career that included positions with the International Salt Company and the Schuyler County Treasurer’s Office. In 1964 she accepted a position with Central Asphalt and her friend Bud Suits. She loved her Central Asphalt family and stayed there until her first retirement 20 years later. After retiring from the asphalt company, Bessie began working at H & R Block. She continued to do tax returns until she retired again at age 88.

Bessie was blessed with many, many friends from her work career, her community service with the International Order of the Rebekahs, and her service to the Presbyterian Church Community. Bessie’s unfailing and unconditional love for her family sustained us through much heartache. We know that our newest guardian angel will continue to sustain us in the months ahead.

A funeral service will be held at The First Presbyterian Church, 520 N. Decatur Street, Watkins Glen, NY on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 11 am. The family will receive friends at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th Street, Watkins Glen, NY from 3-7 pm on Wednesday, March 10, 2010. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Odessa, NY. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Bessie may be made to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263.