Obituary of Kathleen Ellen Bessler
Kathleen Ellen Bessler passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home in New Milford, PA, on Friday, September 29, 2023 with loving family and friends by her side. She had just celebrated her 70th birthday, doing what she loved most, spending time with her loved ones. She enriched our life with unconditional love, unwavering selflessness, and a sense of security that can never be repaid. If you ever needed her she would be there, sometimes before you even knew you needed her.
Born in Dover to the late Overton “Jack” and Dorothea Young, she was the third oldest of six children growing up in the Young household. They were raised on Walnut Street in Denville and enjoyed doing what kids do, with loving parents and a happy home. She graduated from Morris Knolls High School, Class of 1972. Shortly after, she met her best friend and soulmate, Donald L. Bessler, at a party while he was attending Fairleigh Dickinson University. The extraordinary couple married on September 30, 1973 and began this adventure we call life, hand in hand. Don was very talented in his field which brought this family on a journey through the U.S.! They had lived in Arizona, Ohio, California, Connecticut, Florida, North Carolina, and finally Pennsylvania. In 1994, when the family moved to Telford, Pennsylvania, Kathy and the kids had found their forever home…until Don needed to relocate yet again for work to Arizona. Kathy stayed behind until she knew both her now grown children were settled securely before joining him there in 2003. She insisted on this which was appreciated by her kids. However, soon after her 2 grandchildren were born, she came back to Pennsylvania for good in 2010. Don soon joined her there for a while before making one final career move to New Hampshire. Upon retiring the couple moved to New Milford where Kathy and Don enjoyed retirement together 'on mountain time'.
Kathy also worked hard throughout her life to help support the extracurricular activities of the family. For example, she brought her daughter into the wonderful world of horseback riding and even joined her in this activity. She had worked as a Nurses Aide prior to having children and later dabbled in real estate. She enjoyed a number of years working at Fins Feathers Paws & Claws in Harleysville, PA where she was the most knowledgeable about all colors and types of fish. It was impossible not to learn all sorts of fish related trivia throughout the years. She finally was able to retire as Supervisor but never lost the love of fish and most animals she ran across. She even had a large herd of deer who visited her daily in New Milford. They all had names and were all well loved. She truly was a remarkable woman.
At her home in New Milford, Kathy thrived. She had a magnificent garden, filled with giant delicious vegetables, beautiful flowers, plants, and herbs. She also maintained a gorgeous yard with all types of fruit trees and berry bushes. She raised and was very proud of her many chickens. She was very attached to her dog Dexter who was known for being a bit crabby at times. His passing was a difficult time for her but the many furry “grandkids” helped fill the void. Above anything else, her grandchildren and family were her pride and joy. Family gatherings big and small were always important to her and she worked hard to make them special for everyone. She loved having all of us together, and truly had a servant's heart.
Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with family members that have gone before, her beloved husband, Don and her parents, Jack and Dorothea Young.
Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her adored children, Jesse Bessler and his wife Andrea and Brittany Mosheim and her husband Jason; her cherished grandchildren Maya Grace & Eric Dylan Bessler; her treasured grand pups and cats, Poe, Marley, Nora, Gus, Sparkles and Buttercup; her loving siblings, Robert (Carolyn) Young, Brian (Karen) Young, Overton III “Jay” (Nancy) Young, David (the late Robin) Young, and Karin Nestor; and many dear nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
We invite you to act like Kathy. When she was faced with the news of terminal cancer, she took all of it with grace and faith and continued living life the way she wanted. Please continue to share the memories she has left us with; leave a condolence, light a candle, or share your memory here. We will cherish them forever.
Public Visitation will be held on Friday, October 6th from 11 - 1 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Funeral Service will begin at 1 pm at the Funeral Home. Burial will immediately follow at Rockaway Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Rockaway.
In lieu of donations, please send flowers to surround Kathy; she loved flowers and they would be a beautiful tribute to her memory!
