Bee has been a member of the North York Horticultural Society since 1984.  She has been an Honorary member for many years when she could no longer participate in the club’s activities. We send our deepest condolences to Bee’s family and will have her name added to our OHA District 5’s Memorial book in her memory.

Our most fondest memories of Aunt Bessie are when we visited together with the family either 'up' in the Toronto area or 'down' here in New England.
A most memorable visit was in the Portsmouth, NH area when my Mom and Bessie met for the first time in 2007.  There was a natural bond between them and both women would ask after the other thereafter.
I'm sure both Hilary and Peter will miss their Mum as much as I miss mine now but I think both of these wonderful ladies are now reminiscing and catching up.
With our deepest sympathy, condolences and love to our Canadian family...
Carol & David xo

I knew Bee through Noreen Holder and the Horticultural Society.
She was a great and an interesting person with  a great sense of humour.   The last time that I saw her was when she invited Noreen and me to lunch at Canterbury Place, a really delicious Vegetarian meal.
Unfortunately I never  heard her sing, but I'm sure that I would have enjoyed hearing her.
My sincere condolences to Hilary and to the rest of the family.

One of mom's closest family friends was her sister in law Joyce Clark. Though an ocean apart they shared many happy times by visiting or by phone.
Their only bone of contention was Coronation Street.  Joyce was a loyal fan having not missed an episode since 1960. To mom however it was just ",That silly show".
In 2006 following a tour of Scotland with granddaughter Madeline she spent a week with Joyce at her home in Poynton   England. Dad had passed away the year previous and she enjoyed reminiscing with his sister. When we left for the airport mom and Joyce had a teary hug somehow knowing they would not meet again.
But the day before we visited Joyce's daughter Heather and husband Joe. He took this photo of mom on a pub crawl of Whaley Bridge. Mom was very content. (even though she felt as if she was on the set of Coronation Street!!)

As her health declined mom started to lose her short term memory . Yet memories of profound events from long ago  remained. One that stuck with her was our move to Canada. On May 19 1952 she sailed up the St Lawrence with her husband and young son. She had left her family in England.  She would  never see her mother again.  It had been a challenging journey. Emigration at that time did not involve a 6 hour flight on a jumbo jet.  Ours was 11 days on the north Atlantic on the Sacramento,  a freighter cum passenger vessel .
Thirteen passengers were sea sick most of the way. But now the waters were calm. Her first glimpse of Canada.... the white spires of the churches and cathedrals of the Quebecois villages that lined the shore. She remembered that so well. She remembered her excitement and trepidation.  A new country. A new home. A new life.


On one of the last visits I had with my mother before the pandemic shut everything down we played a game of Scrabble. At this point she usually knew who I was although often thought I was her niece not her daughter. She didn’t know what day it was or whether she had eaten lunch but boy oh boy could she play a mean game of Scrabble!  At first I was considerate and just put simple words down but it soon became apparent that this was entirely unnecessary. She took her time, examined the board for triple word scores and found the best place to put down her word. A couple of times I thought she was making up words but Google quickly told me otherwise. She beat me hands down. 
Growing up I appreciated my mother’s love. She fed me, wiped my tears, helped with homework, took us on fun excursions, gave endless advice. As I got older and so did she I finally appreciated her as an individual. An extremely intelligent lady, always considerate of others with a zest for knowledge. 
Sadly, dearly missed.
Your loving daughter, Hilary

Our wonderful Auntie Bee, was the “rock” of the family and a treasure to her community. This special lady, who was involved in so much, will be greatly missed by so many people. We have enjoyed her company and love on several occasions both at her home and at Ogunquit Maine, (one of hers and Uncle Leo’s favorite US towns). We have great memories of all of our visits with her and our family north of the border. David also has great memories of her and uncle and Peter and Hilary as a little boy. He remembers Auntie going around all of his siblings asking, “What gift would you like sending from Canada”? And her surprise when she got to him and he asked for stamps for his album  She thought he would have asked for something more expensive. Also got to see his very first baseball mitt as Peter brought his over. 
Thank you Auntie for all of these memories. We will miss you dearly and always think of you and your family fondly. Rest In Peace Lady. We love you always xxx (picture. Brother (David’s Dad) and sister. Visits to Canada).

To the family,
Bee was just an absolutely delightful person to know.
Always so interesting and upbeat.  We knew her from her attendance at Cummer Ave. U.C and it just made the day sunnier whenever she greeted us with her beautiful smile.
May your memories of this very special person help you at this time.
Sending our love and sincere condolences

My Granny's service to the Women's Royal Naval Service (the Wrens) was a point of pride to me and my family. Granny volunteered during World War II and was stationed in Scotland. Below are some of her service photos.

Our deepest condolences on the passing of Bee. She was such a lovely lady and we were privileged to be able to drive her to church for quite a long time.  Always enjoyed our weekly chats while driving. Bee was a great help at our church Drop Inn program as well. I have often said that the year 1922 produced very strong women as there are 2 women in our family born then too. May she rest in peace.
Sandra and Dave JOhnson

Dearest Aunty Bee!
Fond memories of visiting Aunty Bee and Uncle Leo in Toronto, in Willowdale. Aunty Bee was also so kind and a shoulder to lean on when I moved back to Canada alone. I do also love seeing all the photographs my parents have of the Mansfields from the 70s!! including their most wonderful basement which of course is such a novelty to Brits! 
sending much love to the family and I do hope we all connect soon. Love Jenni

My Granny will be dearly missed, but I have so many wonderful memories that I can hang on to. This photo was taken on our trip to Scotland. This trip was important to both of us.  During this trip she was able to revisit the place she was stationed during the war and as a Highland dancer it was special for me because I was able to dance in Scotland. I will never forget the memories made on that trip. 

To say my Granny liked cats was an understatement. She loved cats. During the course of her life she cared for many cats all of whom had different personalities. She had photos and funny stories about all of her cats. The ones I remember best were the last, Barney and Betsy, a lovely brother and sister pair. 
Later on when we went on holiday our cats would visit Granny's for their own holidays. We would usually bring her some kind of cat related souvenir. These were always received with enthusiasm.  
My Granny had a stuffed cat who she named "Beany" it served as a kind of surrogate cat since she didn't think it was fair to get a new cat.  Later, she liked to have her stuffed cat around her and her room was always marked with a cat picture to let her know she was home.

My Granny gave me my love of music and my singing voice. Although my Granny was born in Sheffield, she was born an Evans, a decidedly Welsh name. As you may already know, the Welsh are known for their musical skill especially in voice. 
My Granny was an amateur musical theatre actress in London, England and was often the soprano soloist at her churches over the years.  Unfortunately, later in life, my Granny lost her confidence in her singing voice and she didn't sing much by the time I was old enough to appreciate it. When I did get the chance to hear her sing during a hymn at a Christmas service, or when we went to the Sing-a-long Messiah with my Mom, it was a cherished memory to hear her pure soprano voice and to see how happy it made her to let go and sing.


OBITUARY

Bessie "Bee" Mansfield

January 24, 1922 – August 23, 2020

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services