With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Marie Bernadette Bess, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She left this world on March 16, 2025, at the age of 65. Born on March 31, 1959, Marie was a shining example of love, compassion, and strength to everyone she encountered. Her impact on those around her will remain as a lasting legacy of kindness and devotion.
Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph A. Bess, her mother, Rapheala Colbourne Richards, and her son Karl A. Bess. She was also predeceased by her brothers Albert Duparl, Charles Richards, and Edward Colbourne. Despite the heavy loss of loved ones, Marie’s life was defined by her unwavering resilience, boundless love for her family, and her natural ability to bring people together in times of joy and sorrow alike.
Marie is survived by her children: Dean Ritter Jr., Dion Bess, Sean Bess, Chyrise Bess, and Darren Bess. Her loving memory will live on in her cherished grandchildren, whose lives were filled with her love, warmth, and joy: Ashley Ritter, Jah-Empress Gillard, Shadejah Ritter, Karl Jahcoy Bess, Dunya Ritter, Noradeen Ritter, Cassie Rojas, Sean Bess, Carissa Rojas, Dean Ali Ritter, Durah Ritter, Isa Ritter, Isaac Ritter, Elaunie Canai, CJ Laurent, and Mykah Canai and her beloved great grandchildren, Laya Sealey and Leo Sealey.
As a sister, Marie was dearly loved by her siblings Allen Duparl, Basil Richards, Alex Richards, Samuel Richards, and Valencia Hayes, and shared a close bond with her sisters Charlise Duparl and her late brothers Albert, Charles, and Edward. Marie’s love extended to her extended family, including numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. She will be deeply missed by her cousins Johnny Hughes, Jackie Hughes, Jan Allen, John Hughes, and many others.
Marie was also surrounded by a strong circle of friends, whom she considered family, including Joan Wilson, Stephanie McIntosh Luis, Desiree Lambertis, Nicole Christian, Ellie Parris, Icilma Hendrickson, Jerose Nicholas, Matty Sealey, Lin Canai, Jacqueline Kiture-Denis, and many others whose lives were forever touched by her spirit of kindness and generosity.
A funeral service will be held to honor her life on April 11, at St. Patrick’s Church, with a viewing at 9:30 a.m. and a service at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.
Though Marie is no longer physically with us, her love, her strength, and her memory will remain forever in the hearts of her family and friends. May she rest in eternal peace.
