Bessie Sutka

1931 - 2022

It is with great sorrow that the family of Bessie Mary Sutka (née Kacer), announce the passing of their dear mother, grandmother and great grandmother in Taber, with family by her side, on Friday, May 20, 2022 at the age of 91 years.

Relatives and friends were invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 7:00 P.M.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, May 27, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden.

Those who were unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by clicking on the ‘service video recording’ link on this page.

Bessie is survived by two sons, Ron (Maureen) Sutka of Cranford and Jerry Sutka of Calgary; grandchildren Michelle (John) Winters of Blacksburg, Virginia, Jason Sutka of Taber and Troy Sutka of Cranford; great grandchildren Kallista Winters (Adam Harless), Kyrra Winters and Brodyn Sutka. She will also be remembered by her sister-in-law Helen Benci of Lethbridge and by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Steve Sutka, parents Mary (née Frolka) and Joe Kacer, brother-in-law Frank Benci, sister-in-law Anne (née Sutka) Praskach, brother-in-law Joe Praskach and by Steve’s parents Katie (née Hanzlik) and William Sutka.

Bessie was born on the Kacer family farm on March 2, 1931 in Jamieson (now Cranford) to Joe and Mary Kacer. As an only child, she was an asset to both of her parents in the day-to-day activities on the farm where she excelled in both farm work and chores and also acquiring her mother’s exceptional cooking and baking skills. On November 19, 1952 Bessie married Steve Sutka at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Lethbridge and they started their life together in Cranford. Bessie continued to reside on the Sutka family farm until her passing.

Her Czech style cooking was a favourite to all who were fortunate enough to enjoy a meal at her home. Her other interests over the years included sewing, ceramics, gardening, card playing, fishing and travelling. Travels to favourite places like Hawaii, Florida and several other places in the United States, along with frequent trips to the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Her fondest memories are of travelling to Virginia, USA to visit Michelle and her family and also to the Czech Republic to visit her parent’s birthplaces and to meet several members of her extended family. She was honoured, being the current, oldest living Kacer family member as part of a family reunion in Liderovice, Czech Republic back in July 2010. Also, there were many trips over the years, from when Bessie was a young girl, to Michigan, USA, to visit the Jurasek families, cherished family from her mother’s side.

Bessie loved spending time with family and cherished time spent with those she loved most especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had a love of children and any that happen to visit were always showered with gifts and treats.

Bessie’s family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Leishman, Dr. Rasmussen, Dr. Stang, Dr. Hargrove and the exceptional nursing staff in Active Care - Taber Health Centre, who went above and beyond to provide her comfort and care in her final days.