Lillian "Ann" Mae (Graham) Bessette

Lillian M. Bessette, age 77 of the Township of Larrabee passed away Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, Neenah.

Lillian “Ann” Mae Bessette was born October 10, 1939 in the Township of Morris, Shawano County, and daughter to the late Robert & Bertha (Jensen) Graham. She attended Tigerton High and graduated in 1958. While still in high school, she met her future husband, Leo Bessette. They were united in marriage on June 6, 1959 at St. Rose Catholic Church, Clintonville where she was still a member. After marriage, the couple lived in Clintonville for a year, later moving to rural Bear Creek where they operated a grocery store for a few years. In 1965 they purchased a home in rural Clintonville, where they have lived since, raising their three children there. Ann worked for Hanson Glove Factory for a time, and was later employed at Converting Inc., Clintonville. She retired in 2001 after 30 years of employment. Ann was active at St. Rose where she often helped preparing and serving funeral luncheons. She loved to spend time at the cottage on their property in Townsend, WI and she liked to travel. She also enjoyed time spent with her friends especially her “Rain Chick Girls.” Ann cherished the time she was able to spend with her loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; they were her life and her world.  

Survivors include:

Daughter: Terry (Paul) Pagano, New London

Sons: Tim Bessette, Milwaukee

          Todd (Lynn) Bessette, Marion

Grandchildren: Ashley (Ray Depew) Moder, Austin Bessette, Channing Bessette, Abby (Dan) Schulz, Cody (Heather) Bessette, Kayla (Brandon Schenk) Bessette, Luke Gollnow, Gary (Jen) Gollnow, Paula (Ted) Pagano, & Tony (Jenny) Pagano

Great-grandchildren: Charity, Madysen, Hunter, Chloe, Sophia, Grayce, Brycen, Paisley, Alex, Sasha, Jason, Tony, & Crystal

Great-great-grandchildren: Matthew, Caleb, Benicio, & Lorenzo

Sister: Dorothy (Allen) Wedde, Gresham

Brothers: Edward Graham, Wittenberg

Sisters in-law: Patricia (Orville) Bartman, New London; Carmen Bessette, Manawa; & Audrey (Jerry) Starr, Wisconsin Rapids

Brother in-law: Harold (Sandra) Bessette, Manawa

Ann’s husband, the light of her life and best friend, Leo, preceded her in death on February 24, 2009. She was also preceded in death by her parents; grandparents, Ole & Lillian (Doan) Jensen; a brother, Philip (Norene) Graham; nephews, Robbie Graham & Tom Wedde; & brothers in-law, Fred “Fritz” & Jim Bessette.

Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Monday, August 14, 2017 at St. Rose Catholic Church, Clintonville with the Rev. John “Jack” Mullarkey officiating. Interment will take place at St. Rose Catholic Cemetery, Clintonville.

Friends may call on Monday at the church from 9 AM until the time of the service.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville has been entrusted with her arrangements.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.

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