With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Mother and Grandmother, Bess Kostynuk, who left this world peacefully on Friday, March 1, 2024 at the age of 94, smiling, laughing and loving until her last breath. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and selflessness that will forever be cherished by everyone who knew her.

Born January 24, 1930, Bess was Harry and Ida Nelson's only child, but she built a lifelong sisterhood with her two cousins, Betty and Maureen. She grew up in Edmonton and married her high school sweetheart, Bob, in 1952, embarking on a journey of love and devotion. Together, they raised three children, which she considered her greatest achievements.

Bess pursued her passion for caring for others by attending the Royal Alexandra Hospital School of Nursing. She graduated in 1951 as a Registered Nurse, and dedicated her life to serving the needs of others with compassion and kindness. Her infectious smile and genuine warmth touched the hearts of all who crossed her path; she never forgot a face, a name, or a patient's chart number.

Bess was a devoted mother and grandmother who always put the needs of her family above her own, and loved her children fiercely. She found joy in simple pleasures; belonging to a ladies bowling league, gardening, family dinners on Sundays, travelling, a great song to hum along to, or simply spending time visiting with loved ones. Anytime she could spend out on the deck, sitting in the sunshine was like therapy to her. Everyone was welcome at Bess's home, and she loved to be the hostess.

Bess will be remembered for her boundless love, her unwavering strength and resiliency, and her relentless will to keep living to make sure we were all looked after. This spirit will continue to guide and inspire us each day.

She is survived by her loving children, Carol, Graham and Cathi (Allan); grandchildren, Nicole (Braydon), Rachel (Shania), Reno (Alexandria) and Andrew; sister-in-law, Sandi; and an abundance of cherished relatives and friends who will carry her memory in their hearts forever.

Bess was predeceased by the love of her life, Bob; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lucy (Tod), Spence, Nettie (Jim), Joey and Casey, as well as many lifelong friends and family members. We know the welcome party to Heaven was huge.

A Celebration of Bess's life will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Park Memorial Chapel, 9709 – 111 Avenue, Edmonton. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Heart & Stroke Foundation, https://www.heartandstroke.ca, or to a charity of your choice in honour of Bess's dedication to serving others.

We wish to thank the many doctors and caregivers who looked after Bess, especially Dr. Ben Tyrrell (Edmonton), Dr. William Son at the Peter Lougheed Centre, and Dr. Dina Radinskaia, Stef and Natasha at the Southwood Hospice (Calgary).

As we mourn the loss of our sweet Bess, let us also celebrate the beautiful, long life she lived and the profound impact she made on all who knew her. May her kindness continue to shine brightly in our hearts, and guide us with love and grace.

To view a livestream of the service, please visit www.parkmemorial.com and select “Webcasting” from Bess’s Book of Memories.