Obituary of Evon M. Bessette-Tarbell

Evon Marie Bessette Tarbell peacefully passed away March 16th, 2023, surrounded by the love of her family at UMASS hospital in Southbridge Massachusetts. She was born 19 August 1941 in Malone New York, the daughter of Evelyn and Eldred Ashlaw. She graduated from Franklin Academy in 1959. Her high school yearbook said it best, she was “Born with gift of laughter.” She lived in the North Country most of her life. She had a deep love, admiration, and appreciation for her hometown and took great pride in contributing to the betterment of it. Evon worked many years for the Malone Chamber of Commerce (Tourism) and in retirement supported her husband’s business Ray’s Furnace Repair. More than anything, Evon cherished her family and friends. A beautiful person inside and out, she enjoyed volunteering, was a huge supporter of the Malone Winter Carnival and was always a love and comfort to all of those who knew her. In hopes it would help us all find peace and comfort, she conveyed prior to her passing that she would no longer be in pain and that she would always be with us, living on in the memory and hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to have her touch their lives in some capacity or measure. Evon was predeceased by her mother, father, beloved husband Raymond Tarbell who passed away on December 23rd of 2021, and her son Christopher Bessette who passed away on September 7th of 1995. She is survived by her sister, Audrey Haskell of Syracuse, New York; a son Stephen Bessette and his wife Gail Guinasso of Newmarket New Hampshire; a daughter Kimberly Ann Bessette and her partner Nikolaos Kamizirides of Southbridge, Massachusetts; niece Lori Cook of Clay, New York; step-daughter, Melanie Ford and her husband, Ralph of Erie, PA; step-son, Blaine Tarbell and his wife, Jennifer of Vernal, UT; step-son Keane Tarbell of Waco, TX; three grandchildren, Tara Marie Andrews and her partner Jessica Corkran of Southbridge, Massachusetts; Jacqueline Bessette of Hampton, New Hampshire; Noelle Poppalardo and her husband, Chris of Nottingham, New Hampshire; great granddaughter Kayleigh; five step-grandchildren, Alexander & Ryan Ford, Madison and Zack Tarbell, and Sydney Maserang and her husband, Tim; one step-great grandchild, Willow Rae Maserang; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Evon also leaves behind three of her favorite companions. her cats Meeks, Miller, and Mac, who she loved beyond measure. Evon was known for her deep love of animals, and throughout her life, gave many a loving home. Donations in Evon’s memory can be made to the St. Regis Falls Cat Palace, 10 Mill St Saint Regis Falls, NY 12980 or simply visit their website at https:// www.facebook.com/NYCatPalace/. A celebration of life is planned for 3 June 2023, 1 PM at the Morningside Cemetery burial site located off Raymond Street in Malone New York.