The beautiful light of Toshiko Hosaka Bessette, 83, of Bryan, was suddenly extinguished on Sunday, June 19, 2016. Toshiko was gifted to this world on April 24, 1933 in Tokyo, Japan to Sagadi and Matsuko Hosaka.
Tosh was a long time resident of Fall River, Massachusetts and a member of the Elks Auxiliary for many years. As a hairdresser, her sincere and caring interactions with her wonderful customers and co-workers and their lifelong love and loyalty to her are a testament to her warm personality. She leaves behind many friends and family in the Fall River area.
After moving to Bryan, she worked at Mary Branch Elementary School until her retirement. Tosh had a heart of gold and gave the very best hugs. She was known for handing out her great banana and cranberry breads. She loved all dancing but especially ballroom dancing. There were many Saturday nights, she and her loving husband, Norm, could be seen dancing around town. When Norm passed, water aerobics replaced dancing and her smiling face could be seen at the Aerofit pool three times a week.
Tosh was a long time member of the Gold Medallion Club and especially loved their casino trips. She was also a devoted member of Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Normand G. Bessette and son Gregory Bessette. She is survived by her devoted children; Roger Bessette and wife, Julie, of Arlington Heights, Illinois; James Bessette and his wife, Irene, of Bryan; Angie Kaldro of Bryan; Gloria Bessette and her partner, Laura Currie of Spring; and daughter-in-law Deborah Bessette. Additionally, there are nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren grieving for their Meme.
She is survived by siblings, Tetsuro Hosaka, Chiyoko Kato, Wakako Tomioka, and Yuji Hosaka. Preceeding her in death are three brothers, Shinichi Hosaka, Yoshinobu Hosaka, Masazo Hosaka and a sister Miya Ishikawa.
Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday June 23, 2016 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Bryan, with a rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. Friday June 24, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with interment to follow at the College Station City Cemetery. Services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Centers in Bryan College Station, Texas.
For more information contact [wpseo_address show_state=”1″ show_country=”1″ show_phone=”1″ show_phone_2=”1″ show_fax=”1″ show_email=”1″ show_logo=”0″]
Angie,
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was such a loving and kind woman and always made me smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Love, kristy Garcia
We ate so sorry for your loss. God bless the family at this difficult time.
Love, Patti Cokely (Betsy Bessette’s daughter), Mark, Dylan and Justin
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the entire family in this time of loss. Rest in peace, Toshiko.
Thanks Kristi, it will be very different now without those smiles..Ang
Angie, I am sorry to hear about your mom. She was a sweet and caring person. My prayers are with you and your family.
Our hearts are with you during this devastating time. Know that we are thinking of you and holding you close. With your love, Crisi and Tammy
Thank you both for your support in this very sad time of our lives.
Gloria, Laura, and the entire Bessette family
From the Burke and Sims family we send our love and caring to your family. Your mom is someone we will never forget and will forever be in our hearts.
Thank you. Mom never met a stranger and seemed to leave a lasting impression on everyone she met. Your kind words and support mean more than you know to all of us.
Roger, Jimmy, Angie, and Gloria
We are extremely saddened by the terrible news of the loss of your mother and our friend. We hope you have the strength to go on through this rough time and remember we are always here to help anyway we can. I truly believe that your mother left to be with God and will always be watching down upon her family and blessing all of you from Heaven.
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family for the loss of your mom/grandmother. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow and give you piece of mind knowing she’s with your father and brother now. Our prayers are with you, we know she will be greatly missed but she’ll stay alive in your hearts forever. May she rest in peace.
Uncle Roger and Betsy
Thank you. Mom has always thought very highly of you both and was always happy to see you both. Family is so important to all of us and we are grateful for the love and support we have received from everyone.
Love,
Roger, Jimmy, Angie, and Gloria
To the entire family of my friend, Toshiko, my condolences to all of you. Toshi was a very sweet, kind and loving lady. I became friends with Toshi at church. It was never a time when she was returning from receiving communion that she didn’t tap me on the shoulder as she passed by me. She loved children ………. she loved people. She will be greatly missed and I will miss her hugs after Mass. One little boy at church, Cooper Mikulec, wanted to know if Toshi was his grandmother. Ever since he was born she would squeeze his little cheeks and kiss him after Mass. He adored her and she adored him. Toshi will forever live on in our hearts. God Bless – my prayers and thoughts are with each of you. Thanks for sharing this wonderful lady with us.
Ann Putz / Bryan, TX
Your kind words about mom says everything about the person she was. She loved going to church and seeing everyone that shared their faith with her. Her love for kids was very special. She loved to play with her great grandchildren whenever they were at the house. Her playful antics were one of the things that kept her young at heart. Please know that mom will be with you every Sunday at mass watching over you all!
Thank you,
Roger, Jimmy, Angie, and Gloria
We will miss you Aunt Toshiko. Our sympathies for your children and grandchildren.
James and Carol Santos and family, Tallahassee Florida.
Mom loved you all. Thank you for making the trip to be at mom’s service and for being a pallbearer. I know mom was smiling down that day seeing you both there to celebrate her with us!
Love,
Roger, Jimmy, Angie, and Gloria
I used to visit with Toshiko in the mornings at the gym. I was just getting out of swimming and she was headed to water exercise class. She always smiled and hugged me. I know she was very proud of her family and grandchildren. She would talk of them often. I will miss her as I know you will.
Mom always loved her friends at Aerofit. She looked forward to going so she could visit with everyone. Mom was a hugger and spoke very highly of her friends there. Mom will be missed by all that she touched. We thank you for being a part of mom’s life!
Thank you,
Roger, Jimmy, Angie, and Gloria
Miss Angie accept my deepest condolences ,i can’t imagine the pain you are experience now ,but i want to tell you ,that you mom is now in a better place ,she is now with God and she is be with you any where you go .My God give you strength and confort .Now you have the most valued of you mom all those memories that you have whit her and every time you need her all this memories are bring her back to you.
A couple of years ago I was one of Tosh’s instructors at Aerofit and the beneficiary of her wonderful breads. She was a sweet, gentle soul, always smiling, always happy. She will be missed by so many.
Mom always spoke highly of her friends at Aerofit! Giving out her breads was such a joy for mom. She loved to make people happy and seeing people’s face when they got a bread from her would make her day. Thank you for being a part of mom’s life.
Thank you,
Roger, Jimmy, Angie, and Gloria
I am deeply saddened about the death of your mother. I know you don’t know me,but, I grew up with your father. I am his first cousin and had met your mother once when she first married your father. My name is Doris Bessette Phillips and your grandfather Gregory was my father’s brother. His name was Leo, and you may have heard his name at some time. May God bless all of you at this sad time in your lives.
Your kind words have touched us greatly. Mom and dad are smiling from above knowing that you took the time to send your condolence for the loss of mom. I wish you could have gotten to know mom more. She was all about family. She and dad taught us kids that family takes care of family. We were truly Blessed to have had our mom’s unconditional love and friendship. She will be missed so very much by all of us.
Love,
Roger, Jimmy, Angie, and Gloria
Angie and all of the family my condolences in the loss of one of the most wonderful women I had ever met. She was not only loving and warm, she was very tolerant in her younger days. I was just looking at pictures last week and put one aside to give to Gloria. I will mail it to her. I cant imagine this type of sudden loss, but she has joined Dad and Gregg to take care of their family from heaven. Look for the light in the dark time, she is with you.
Mom always thought the world of you Gale! Mom believed that you should always treat people the way you would want to be treated. She lived by this philosophy. She always had a smile and kind word to say to all that she met. She was known for her awesome hugs and her pleasant attitude. She will be missed by many!
Love,
Roger, Jimmy, Angie, and Gloria
So so sorry to my dearest friend Gloria!!! You and your family are in my heart and in my prayers. Words can’t heal and sometimes fail to comfort, but prayers can bring strength and I will pray for that and please know that I’m here for you whenever needed !! Love you my friend
We all appreciate your prayers! I personally don’t know what I would do without the loving support of my family and friends! Your friendship and continued support during this hard time means more to me that I could ever express my dear friend! Mom was so happy I had you and Carol close by to talk to when I needed help!
Love you,
Gloria
Those of us who knew Toshiko for so many years in water aerobics will miss her
sweet smile, warm greeting and the many kindnesses she extended to us at
every opportunity. Toshiko embodied all the best we aspire to be. She enriched
our lives in so many ways; we sorrowfully bid her goodbye and joyfully wish her godspeed.
Mom thought the world of you! She would always tell me the you watched out for her and worried about her doing too much at exercise. She loved you! We are grateful for everything you did for mom and for the friendship that you gave to her so freely. She is now watching over you while you exercise!
Thank you,
Roger, Jimmy, Angie, and Gloria
Gloria, Laura and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. From what I remember of your Mom from our time in high school Gloria, she was always so sweet and very welcoming the times I came over the house. May happy memories comfort you all.
Thank you! My mom will be with all of us kids wherever we go looking over us! I’ve never had a better friend and she loved us all unconditionally. She loved to open her house up to all our friends when we were kids and even when we became adults. She was just an open loving person!
Dear Angie and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of you beautiful Mom and your friend. What poor words those are for the heartfelt emotions we have at this time. You are all in my prayers.
Extending our deepest sympathy on the lost of your mother.Praying for you all that God will give you peace,conforth and strength.May God keep you in his embrace at this difficult time
Thank you! Elaine…. It was so nice to have you and Jaime show up for mom’s service! It was a very nice surprise for a very sad occasion.
Roger, Jimmy, Angie, and Gloria
To the loving family of Toshiko, Words cannot express our deep sorrow hearing of the loss of my beautiful cousin Tosh. As a young girl, I remember your parents coming to my mom and dad’s house, in Rye N.Y. (your dad still in the service) with Tosh and baby Roger. They had a love not everyone is lucky enough to have. Tosh was such a beautiful person both in and out – she had ageless beauty.
She was sweet and thoughtful and so caring. You are in our thought and prayers at this very difficult time.
She will live in your hearts forever.
Mom always loved going to visit out “New York” relatives! I have so many photos of our many trips there! Now mom, dad, and Greg are with Aunt Val and Uncle Hervey having a blast! Mom and Aunt Val are playing BINGO and they are all playing cards! Love you both!
Roger, Jimmy, Angie, and Gloria
In extending our sincere sympathy, know how much your mother was loved. She exuded such love, compassion, and warmth. I always felt totally welcomed in her presence. It was obvious how much she loved both my children….we all totally enjoyed the family cookouts when the family lived in Fall River. Be strengthened by the memories and the knowledge of her love.
Sue and Krystyna
You always have been and always will be a part of our family! Mom absolutely loved you and Krys! Thank you for your support through this difficult time for all of us.
Love,
Roger, Jimmy, Angie, and Gloria
I will always remember Toshiko’s kindness toward my mother at water aerobics, patiently teaching her Japanese and accepting my gentle teasing. She will always be the one I recall whenever I think of kindness, gentleness, and taking care of others first. I am proud to have counted her as one of my friends. I miss her greatly. I am glad to have such sweet memories.
I hope the family can feel the warmth of the embrace from Toshiko’s friends in this time of your grief. Be as kind to yourself as Tosh would be.
Our mom held you and your mom in the highest regard! She spoke of you often and always looked forward to seeing you at excercise! You were one of her best friends and she loved you dearly! She is watching over you! Thank you for always being so good to our mom and for being such a good friend to her!
Roger, Jimmy, Angie, and Gloria
I knew both Toshi and Normand. Both were charactors to say the least. She was always sweet and cheerful . Rest in Peace with your loving husband.
Thank you!
Roger, Jimmy, Angie, and Gloria
Mrs. Toshi will be greatly missed! I have known her since I was a little girl at Mary Branch Elementary and then came to know her again as a member of our church. I will always remember her sweet smile that always came with a hug and kiss every Sunday after Mass! She loved our son Cooper, and he loved her! As Ms. Putz said, he thought of her as a grandmother! We wish your family peace and comfort knowing that Mrs. Toshi had just received our Lord and Savior in the Eucharist before her passing! Our family is praying for you during your time of need.
God Bless,
Lindsey Mikulec – Bryan, TX
Thank you for being a part of our mom’s church family! She loved going to church every Sunday for Mass and to see everyone. Mom had a way of putting a smile on everyone’s face even if they were not in a good mood. Her infectious smile and her loving hugs were hard to resist!
Roger, Jimmy, Angie, and Gloria
Angie, Ally, and Family,
Ambyr and I are deeply saddened about the news of Ms. Toshiko’s passing. She will be missed not only by us, but by so many people. She was a sweet lady.
James
Ms. Toshiko was the kindest and most thoughtful individual I have ever met. Her warmth and kindness radiated to others. Angie, your Mom was liked and loved by so many.
Ambyr Weidner
I want to extend our deepest sympathy. I have great memories of Toshiko.. Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Thank you! Hope you are doing well.
Roger, Jimmy, Angie, and Gloria
I will miss seeing Toshiko at Aerofit as she was leaving the pool . I was just getting in. I had the privilege of meeting her. She was real friendly and I got a hug from her each time. We didn’t get to say a whole lot to each other most of the time… I looked forward to talking to her though. I am praying for the family to get through the grief of losing her in JESUS name.
Thank you! Mom loved Aerofit and everyone she encountered there. Even on days that she was tired she would go to exercise mostly so she could visit with everyone! Thank you for being a part of our mom’s life!
Roger, Jimmy, Angie, and Gloria
A beautiful ‘light’ has been extinguished but has left us with a lifetime of wonderful memories to cherish, always. Toshiko has touched all our hearts in so many ways; She will be dearly missed by Family, friends and acquaintances alike. Rest in Peace Toshiko – God Bless!
Angie, Dennis and I were sorry to hear about your Mother’s passing. You and you’re family will be in our thoughts and Prayers.
Dennis & Donna Zatopek
I worked with Tosh at Mary Branch. She was always so kind and generous. Her smile would light up the room. I loved her banana bread and she would make us the best fried rice. Prayers for the family. I am so sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed.
Thank you Nancy for your kind words. Mom enjoyed working at Mary Branch and loved everyone there. Mom loved to feed everyone and so enjoyed baking her banana bread for everyone to enjoy. We are glad you were a part of mom’s life!
Roger, Jimmy, Angie, and Gloria
Dear Angie – I was saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. I send my condolences to you and all your family. She was really the epitome of sweetness, with her kind smile and gentle manner.
Angie, David, and family…
Words seem inadequate to express how deeply saddened I feel about the loss of your sweet mother and grandmother. She was an extraordinary lady, always caring for the needs of others. I loved her and I will miss her deeply. It is my prayer that you may be comforted at this difficult time.