Sonja Bowman Bessell passes on

*The Seonghwa is on Friday the 26th, at 2:30 PM

She is the wife of Chung Hee Bessell who is the webmaster for UTS. She (with her children) was a constant in the life of both the students and the families living at Barrytown. Warm, and embracing, she will be missed by alumni and friends alike.

Words her friends use to describe her:

“the gentle goodness of your soul and your quiet courage” “fun loving, caring, and beautiful soul” “warm, caring, and loving person and friend” “beautiful and generous nature’ “such light, kindness, and joy”

The UTS Alumni offer prayers of support for Sonja and condolences to Chung Hee and his four young children.

The extended Bessell family is steadfast and true; we ask God to please bless them and comfort them in this difficult time.

Caring for Sonja Bessell www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/healing-energy-for-sonja-bessell- bowman/55344

The Bessells

From that web site:

Dear Family and Friends,

Following two weeks of chemotherapy treatment, it has become clear today that further treatments will not be beneficial to Sonja.

Despite the great care received at the hospital and moving dedication of caregivers and family, Sonja’s illness proved too advanced to combat any further.

Wanting to provide a peaceful transition into the spirit world I decided today to begin hospice (or end-of- life) care for Sonja, who has been fighting so bravely for her life and yet still found the strength to care for both sides of our family.

At this time we are expecting that her transition is likely to occur within days, although a week or more might be possible. We have elected to not take any extraordinary measures to prolong Sonja’s life as they would not improve her life, but merely cause pain at this point.

Sonja and I greatly appreciate all of the suggestions which you have provided through posts, emails and phone calls. I regret that her illness was so incredibly aggressive that most suggestions could not be applied.

At this point we continue to ask for your prayers and positive thoughts, now mainly focused on allowing Sonja a peaceful transition and birth into eternal life. Beyond this, of course we will have great need for prayer as we make a good transition for the children and the extended family.

Several family members and some closer family friends have begun arrangements to visit and support us directly on site.

Given Sonja’s incredibly social and heartistic way of life, I am pleased to say that her number of close friends is great. At this time we are trying hard to allow for as many people as possible to attend Sonja. However please do not feel left out or disrespected if we are unable include you directly. We aim to continue sending updates on our family and Sonja.

Please continue good thoughts and prayers, and thank you for all support, whether practical or spiritual, already given.

Sincerely, Chung Hee Bessell and family.

Dear brothers and sisters,

Everything has gone so fast and Sonja’s joyful sendoff, her Seonghwa is tomorrow. It has taken some time to get things in order but now everything is in place. The Bessell Family and the Bowman Family have been uplifted and inspired by all the prayers, messages of love and so much support coming from all over the world; it has created joy in a difficult situation. Thank all of you for this.

Seonghwa and Won Jeon Ceremonies – Friday, April 26, 2013 There will be an Open Casket Viewing for friends to say some special words to Sonja from 2:30 – 3:00 The Seonghwa Ceremony will start at 3pm followed by the Won Jeon Ceremony. The Won Jeon Ceremony is directly across from the Funeral Home. After the Won Jeon Ceremony there will be a reception at the Funeral Home. Forest Lawn West Cemetery 4601 Freedom Drive Charlotte, NC 28208 (704) 395-0055 Friday, April 26, 2013

Friends can share their heart and sympathy by sending flowers to the funeral home: Sonja Megumi Bessell Forest Lawn West Cemetery 4601 Freedom Drive Charlotte, NC 28208 (704) 395-0055 Flowers should arrive before 2pm

Memorial contributions may be made at: www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/healing-energy-for- sonja-bessell-bowman/55344 or sent with a card to: Ester Bessell 90 Sims Street Bridgeport, CT. 06604 Checks should be made out to Ester Bessell

Everyone is invited to come and join with the Bessell Family as they send off our precious sister on her new adventures.

Hotels in the area include: Hampton Inn: 704-394-6455

Marriott Courtyard Airport (704) 319-9900

Microtel by Wyndham (on Queens Blvd) 1-800- 337-0055

Airport: Charlotte Douglas International Airport is only 10-15 minutes away from these hotels and the funeral home.

Thank you again, Rev. Michael Lamson