Matilda (Maggie) F. Bessette, 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Compassionate Care Hospice in Mount Holly with her family by her side. Born and raised in Burlington, VT she and her husband moved to Bossert Estates in 1956. She worked at McGuire AFB as a pool secretary until 1960. After raising two boys, she returned to work at Divine Word Seminary as school secretary in 1976 when the Seminary closed, she moved to Princeton Seminary as school secretary until closure. She returned to Divine Word Missionaries as the administrative assistant to the Provincial. And retired when the property was sold at the age of 89. Maggie was a life member of St. Mary’s Church, was a notary and a treasurer for many years for the St. Mary’s carnivals. Her devotion to Divine Word Missonaries earned her the distinguished Verbrum Award in 2021 for her exemplary service.

Predeceased by her parents Eugene and Evelyn Fagga and her beloved husband Norman J. Bessette, she is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law Mark and Carolyn Bessette of Maryland and Gregg and Tammy Bessette of Florida. Grandchildren Brandy and Kyle Andreu with great grand-children: Hanna, Kylie, Kyle Jr, Olivia and Brittney and James Burshell with great grand-children: Braxton, Brody and Bindi all of Florida.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 am Friday, February 27 at Mary, Mother of the Church, 45 Crosswicks St, Bordentown, NJ. Interment will follow in Brig. Gen Wm C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ. Friends may call Friday morning from 9 to 10:30 am at the Peppler Funeral Home, 122 Crosswicks St, Bordentown.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.