Mary Elizabeth Somerville “Bessie”
Shared Memories
Mary Elizabeth Somerville, known affectionately as "Bessie," passed away peacefully at 99 on July 21, 2024. She was born on December 30th, 1924, in Tacony, Philadelphia, to James and Elizabeth Murphy (nee Christie). Bessie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Leo Somerville, in 1978.
Bessie grew up in Tacony on the 4500 block of Unruh Avenue and graduated from Frankford High School in 1942. In 1990, at age 66, Bessie moved to North Wildwood, where she found great joy in her new community. Bessie was an active member of the North Wildwood United Methodist Church choir, where her love for singing brought joy to many. She also had a passion for bingo, often enjoying the game with her family. Her sweet tooth was well-known, with chocolates being her favorite treat. Bessie had a green thumb and took pride in her garden in Wildwood, where she spent many hours tending to her plants. Bessie is survived by her three daughters: Beth Lukasik (Ted Lukasik), Peggie Somerville (Mike Bechta), and the late Cheryl Gittleman (the late Alan Gittleman). She was a loving grandmother to Jim Lukasik, Mark Lukasik (Chrissy), John Lukasik, DJ Kinney (Lisa), Brian Gittleman (Liz), Michael Bechta, and Paul Bechta (Tim Brown). Bessie was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren who brought her much happiness.
She was preceded in death by her brothers: William "Bill" Murphy, Herbert Murphy, Joseph "Bud" Murphy, and James "Jimmy" Murphy.
All are invited to Mary's viewing and funeral on Monday, July 29th at McCafferty Funeral & Cremation Inc. 6711 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19135 (between Unruh & Knorr Sts.) from 9:30 am-11:00 am. There will be a service in the funeral home at 11:00 am. Burial to follow in Forest Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SPCA or the North Wildwood United Methodist Church (139 E 2nd Ave, North Wildwood, NJ 08260). For donation instructions, please contact the pastor of the church.
Bessie grew up in Tacony on the 4500 block of Unruh Avenue and graduated from Frankford High School in 1942. In 1990, at age 66, Bessie moved to North Wildwood, where she found great joy in her new community. Bessie was an active member of the North Wildwood United Methodist Church choir, where her love for singing brought joy to many. She also had a passion for bingo, often enjoying the game with her family. Her sweet tooth was well-known, with chocolates being her favorite treat. Bessie had a green thumb and took pride in her garden in Wildwood, where she spent many hours tending to her plants. Bessie is survived by her three daughters: Beth Lukasik (Ted Lukasik), Peggie Somerville (Mike Bechta), and the late Cheryl Gittleman (the late Alan Gittleman). She was a loving grandmother to Jim Lukasik, Mark Lukasik (Chrissy), John Lukasik, DJ Kinney (Lisa), Brian Gittleman (Liz), Michael Bechta, and Paul Bechta (Tim Brown). Bessie was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren who brought her much happiness.
She was preceded in death by her brothers: William "Bill" Murphy, Herbert Murphy, Joseph "Bud" Murphy, and James "Jimmy" Murphy.
All are invited to Mary's viewing and funeral on Monday, July 29th at McCafferty Funeral & Cremation Inc. 6711 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19135 (between Unruh & Knorr Sts.) from 9:30 am-11:00 am. There will be a service in the funeral home at 11:00 am. Burial to follow in Forest Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SPCA or the North Wildwood United Methodist Church (139 E 2nd Ave, North Wildwood, NJ 08260). For donation instructions, please contact the pastor of the church.
The sweetest person you ever want to meet. My heart breaks for all of you. Loved your Mom & Dad, Aunt Mary( your moms sister married my moms brother Ralph Jordan love from Anna M Kealey Tippin I also had the pleasure of babysitting you ❤️ God Bless
Aunt Bessie you indeed were a rose between two thorns… We love you, you always had a smile, could make us laugh without trying, and your love for our Lord and Savior can never be doubted. We loved being able to hear you sing with the use of modern technology. We will miss you, but know we will see you again.
My condolences to the family of Bessie. Bessie I’ve only spoke. To you a handful of times but you made a lasting impression. Rest in peace. Our prayers are with you and your family.
My condolences to the family of Bessie. Bessie I’ve only spoke. To you a handful of times but you made a lasting impression. Rest in peace. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Aunt Bessie you indeed were a rose between two thorns… We love you, you always had a smile, could make us laugh without trying, and your love for our Lord and Savior can never be doubted. We loved being able to hear you sing with the use of modern technology. We will miss you, but know we will see you again.
The sweetest person you ever want to meet. My heart breaks for all of you.
Loved your Mom & Dad, Aunt Mary( your moms sister married my moms brother Ralph Jordan love from Anna M Kealey Tippin
I also had the pleasure of babysitting you ❤️ God Bless