PACEY, BESSIE MAUD nee GOODSON

 

Bessie Maud Goodson was born at Brandon-on-Ouse, Lincolnshire, England about 1876, and came to New Zealand with her parents Charles and Betsy Goodson nee Cartwright at the age of about three years on the sailing ship Strathgow.� Her family settled in Auckland.

 

Bessie met her husband Ernest Arthur Pacey, while housekeeping for a brother at Meremere, Hawera.� Mr Pacey was at that time building St Mary's Anglican Church and they married in the same year the church was completed 1902.� The couple spent the rest of their lives in Hawera.

 

Ernest served for many years on the Hawera Borough Council before being elected Mayor in 1924, a post he held until 1932.� Bessie was particularly active in the community during her term as Mayoress.

 

She was a foundation member of the Women's National Reserve, and worked for many years as an active member of the Methodist Church, singing with the choir for over 20 years. Bessie was also a keen gardener.

 

Bessie Maud Pacey died on 19 June 1967 at Hawera aged 91 years and is buried at the Hawera cemetery.� Lynette Morris was a granddaughter.

 

SOURCES

Obituary "Hawera Star" 20 June 1967