Elizabeth (Bessie) Oliver

Bessie Oliver is remembered for her service to the village of Sunderland. The daughter of long-serving physician, Dr. Joseph Oliver, Bessie assisted him in his home clinic. Stories are still told of how Bessie would accompany her aging father as he set out in blizzard conditions to reach the homes of those in need of medical assistance.

Bessie was a talented pianist and organist. She was both a soloist and an accompanist, performing at dances, concerts, and weddings. Her contribution to the artistic life of Sunderland even extended to her making costumes for young people who performed on stage at the town hall. In 1947 she became the organist for St. Andrews United Church, a position she held for 38 years. She is particularly remembered for her effort in spearheading the fundraising that saw the purchase of a Casavant organ, still a prominent feature of the church.

Bessie was long-serving librarian at the village’s public library. When the library moved to the town hall in 1923, next door to her home, she is remembered to have regularly assisted patrons after hours in their search for reading material.