ELIZABETH / BESSIE WILLIAMS-GUZ (CRAIG)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ELIZABETH / BESSIE WILLIAMS-GUZ (nee CRAIG) Born February 25, 1909, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2004 at Seven Oaks Hospital after a short illness, with her family by her side. She was predeceased by her first husband George Williams in 1959 and an infant daughter Norma in 1942. Bessie spent her early years on the family farm at Murray Park and attended school in Kirkfield Park. She took music lessons at the St. Charles Convent and after receiving her degree in music, taught private lessons. She was active in the St. Charles Church, playing the piano and taking part in the various activities of the church. She married George Williams in 1933. They took up residence at Woodside, MB, where their son George Jr. was born. Later they moved to Winnipeg and began operating the lodge at Hillside Beach. One year, they spent the winter at Hillside, fishing, filleting and selling the fish, which wasnt very profitable. Bessie and George were blessed with three more children, Harry, Betty and Norma in the following years. Bessie was always very busy organizing activities for the guests at the Hillside Lodge. George joined the army in 1942. The day he was to leave for overseas Norma died in her sleep. He was given leave for a short time. While he was gone, Bessie ran the lodge herself in the summer and worked at The Bay in the winter. Many of her nieces and nephews have fond memories working for her, babysitting, etc. When George returned after the war, he attended normal college and started teaching, which included such places as Hillside Beach, a Hutterite Colony and Loon Straits. Bessie enjoyed it all, even teaching herself when it was necessary. Their youngest daughter Margaret was born in 1951. Shortly after their 25th wedding anniversary, when George was working for the Veterans Land Act, he became ill. They travelled to Rochester seeking a sure. George passed away at the Deer Lodge Hospital in 1959. Bessie went to work for the Red Cross. At the same time she and her brother Harry Craig, continued to operate the Hillside Lodge and Trailer Court until they decided to sell. The cottagers formed a co-op then purchased the property. Shorty after the sale, her brother Harry died from leukemia. In 1976, Bessie married Alex Guz, who was building cottages at the lake. They continued to spend the summers at Hillside and winter in their home in Winnipeg. Bessie was a member of the Rebeccas, which she enjoyed up until she could no longer get to the meetings. Bessie and George were avid bridge players and she was always ready to take on anyone who volunteered. Bessie was a very kind, honest and generous person. She will be missed very much by all who knew her. A memorial service was held on January 24. Final resting place, Garden of The Old Rugged Cross, Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Winnipeg.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 13, 2004