Thelma E. BESSETTE

Thelma E. (Peggy) Bessette Steward, 90, 316 W. 14th St., Kaukauna, passed away Dec. 1, 2005. Mrs. Steward was born in the township of Deer Creek, Wis., on Oct. 10, 1915, the third child of Charles and Caroline (Kluge) Bessette. She was educated in Kaukauna and spent most of her adult life in the Clintonville and Appleton areas. Peggy married Harold J. Steward on April 30, 1932, in Appleton. They were married 73 years before his death in May of 2005. Peggy spent most of her working life as a seamstress, retiring from Zwickers Knitting Mill of Appleton. Peggy's leisure time was spent crocheting, doing crossword puzzles, playing cards, bowling, fishing and traveling. She is survived by her daughters, Carol (Gerald) Soufal, Shawano; Valerie (John) Geer, Neenah; their sons, William (Patricia), Freedom; James (Sue), Green Bay; Robert, Appleton. Peggy is further survived by her sisters, Pearl (Arnold) Abel and Lorraine Grunert; 19 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Harold; daughter, Linda; parents, Charles and Caroline Bessette; brothers, Abraham and Vernard; sisters, Isabelle LeNoble and Lucille Lodholz. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, Dec. 5, 2005, 11 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1810 N. McDonald, Appleton with Fr. Jerome Falk officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the kind and loving care given their mother by the staff of St. Paul's Elder Services in Kaukauna.