Barbara Ann (King) Bessey

Newport, NH-Barbara Ann King Bessey, 94, died Sunday, May 5, 2024 at Woodlawn Healthcare Center in Newport. 

Barbara was born in Claremont, NH on May 27, 1929, the daughter of Fred and Ruby King. She graduated as Salutatorian from Stevens High School in 1947.

Barbara and her husband Burt Bessey were married for 68 years. They shared their mutual love of music with their five children, and music became the heart of family life. She continued to play the piano for the residents at Woodlawn Care Center until her last days. Barb loved to travel, and she and her husband went on many trips together.  

Later in life, Barbara earned her degree in music education from Keene State College and enjoyed teaching for many years. She participated as a chaperone for French students in Sunapee and travelled to France with them many times.  

Barbara was the organist and the bell choir director for several years at various churches in the Newport/Sunapee area. She was very involved in Sunapee community life.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Burt; her sisters, Olive K. Sutton and Margaret K. Gooding, and her brother Fred F. King, Jr.  She is survived by her 5 children: Felicia Bessey and her husband, Robert Bates of Sunapee, NH, Deborah and her husband, Robert Monson of Concord, NH, Pamela and her husband, Harold Bigelow of Winchester, NH, Lorna and her husband, Gary Gelinas of Concord, NH and Mark Bessey and his wife Lauri of Brownsville, VT; 8 grandchildren: Allison McLean, Ross Rechisky, Jennifer Labrie, Jon Monson, Justin Bigelow, Jodie Hoye, Eric Gelinas and Steven Gelinas; 16 great grandchildren; her sister-in-law Beverly King, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at South Congregational Church, 20 Church Street, Newport NH, with a reception to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to a charity of your choice and keep a song in your heart.

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