Margaret F. Bottomley Bessinger, of Milford, passed away at home on August 31, 2016 after a long illness with her daughter Karen and son Kenneth at her side. She was 81.

Mrs. Bessinger was born April 17, 1935 and was a graduate of John Bassett Moore High School, Smyrna. She was a graduate of the first nursing class from DTCC in Georgetown and retired from the State of Delaware. After her retirement, she and her late husband moved to N. Fort Myers, FL, and later to Mountain Top in Morganton, GA. Due to health problems, they moved back to Delaware.

She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and canning, which she taught her daughter, Karen. She also made sure that her son Kenneth could cook.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Martin Kenneth Bessinger Jr.; her parents, Harry and Frances Bottomley; and a son-in-law, John Thomas Isdell.

She is survived by two daughters, Francine (Marvin) Dunning, of Hartly, and Karen R. Isdell, of Milford; a son, Kenneth M. Bessinger, of Milford; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, Emma Grace, due in November; two brothers; a sister; and a host of extended family.

A viewing will be held from 6-8:00 PM on Tuesday September 6 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna. Services will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday September 7 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 22 N. Union St., Smyrna. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Smyrna.

If desired, donations may be sent to Delaware Hospice, 911 S Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.matthewsbryson.com.

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna, DE.