Obituary

Bessie B. Dvorachek, age 90, of Bellingham passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 surrounded by her family. Bessie was born in Bellingham to Ray and Cassie (Estey) James on March 7, 1929. She was known for her beautiful singing voice, love of music, sense of humor, and her infectious laugh. Above all else, she will always be remembered for her devotion and love for her family and for Jesus Christ.

After graduating from Bellingham High School in 1946, Bessie pursued a teaching degree and graduated from Western Washington College of Education. She then attended Multnomah School of the Bible for one year.

Bessie began her elementary school teaching career in Battleground, Washington. After completing one year in Battleground, Bessie left for Egypt, where she taught at a mission school in the town of Tanta for three years. Upon her return to the United States, Bessie taught school in Palmer, Alaska.

In 1956, Bessie met Elwin Dvorachek while she was home from Alaska for the summer. It was love at first sight and they were married on November 23, 1956. They had five children, Janet, Kathy, Naree, Tony, and Tim. Bessie taught at the Bellingham Christian School until Tony was born. She then stayed home to raise their children until it was necessary for her to return to work. At that time, she took a job as an aide at Birchwood Elementary School. Bessie eventually began teaching at Bellingham Christian School where she taught until her retirement.

Music was always a big part of Bessie’s life. She played the piano and sang in the choir at Immanuel Bible Church where she was a charter member. Bessie also played the piano for the senior singing group at the Bellingham Senior Center. She enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, and going to conferences at The Firs Conference Center.

Bessie loved her family unconditionally and enjoyed spending as much time as possible with them. One of the highlights of every year was attending the family conference at Cannon Beach Christian Conference Center. She loved the Oregon Coast and especially loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and later, her great-grandchildren.

Bessie was preceded in death by her husband Elwin, and grandson Grant Dvorachek. She is survived by her children, Janet (Jim) Visbeek, Kathy (Ron) Zegers, Naree (David) Crabb, Tony (Peggy) Dvorachek, and Tim (Ana Rincon) Dvorachek; 9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Bessie’s life will be held at Immanuel Bible Church, 2000 W. North Street, Bellingham, WA on Wednesday, June 5 at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Cannon Beach Christian Conference Center Building Project, P.O. Box 398, Cannon Beach, OR 97110, https://www.cbcc.net/ or Immanuel Bible Church.