Beloved wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother

LOWELL - Bessie (Blackie) Sadlier, 87, a longtime resident of Lowell, died unexpectedly, at her home, December 19, 2017. Born in Chelmsford on June 20, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Harold M. and Annette (Gaudette) Blackie.

Bessie was a proud graduate of Chelmsford High School with the Class of 1948. She furthered her education at the Vesper George School of Art in Boston, graduating in 1950. In August of 1951, she married the love of her life, Charles J. Sadlier, and they settled in the Highlands to raise their family. She worked as an advertising artist for many years.

Although a busy mother, Bessie always remained active in the community. She was a Girl Scout Leader for many years and a Lifetime member of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. Over the years, former scouts reached out to her both by mail and in person to acknowledge the positive impact Bessie had made in their lives. An avid gardener, she was also very active in the Lowell Garden Club, where she served as past President and cultivated many heartfelt and lasting friendships. Bessie was also an active member of the local TOPS 0377, attending meetings at the Chelmsford Senior Center every Tuesday morning. She will certainly be missed by her many friends there. She also enjoyed all kinds of arts and crafts.

Bessie was a lifelong, active member of the Eliot Presbyterian Church in Lowell. She belonged to the women’s group, served on many committees, and most proudly, served as a past Deacon and Elder of the Church. With the exception of her home, she was probably most comfortable in the friendly confines of her beloved Church. Pastor Heather and fellow parishioners were her second family. She will be fondly remembered by Michael Sheu and Bill Hall.

Bessie is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Charlie, and their five children: Attorney Susan Sadlier-Hrastinski of Rolling Meadows, Illinois, Nancy Sadlier of El Cerrito, California, Charles J. Sadlier Jr. of New Hampshire, Peter Sadlier of Lowell, and Sean Sadlier and his wife Roberta, also of Lowell. Eight grandchildren, whom she loved with all her heart: Matthew Hrastinski and his wife Julia of Arlington Heights, Illinois, Daniel Sadlier of Oakland, California, Charles J. Sadlier III of Lowell, and Kathleen Sadlier, also of Lowell; Laura Keating and her husband Jon of Windham, NH, Erin Sadlier, and Page Sadlier, both of Boston, and Shauna Rooksberry and her husband Daniel of Amherst, NH. Five great-grandchildren, Benjamin Hrastinski, Charles Henry Hrastinski, Penelope Keating, Oliver Keating, and Charlotte Ann Rooksberry. Three siblings, Harold M. Blackie Jr. of Herkimer, New York, Florence Furgason-Wright and her husband Windsor of Olathe, Kansas, and her beloved kid sister, Anne T. Roberts of East Dennis, MA.

SADLIER - In Lowell, December 19, 2017. Bessie (Blackie) Sadlier of Lowell, aged 87 years. Beloved wife of Charles J. Sadlier Sr. Friends will be received at the MORSE-BAYLISS Funeral Home, 122 Princeton Boulevard, the Highlands neighborhood of Lowell, on Tuesday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM. Bessie’s Funeral Service will be held at the Eliot Presbyterian Church, Summer St., Lowell, on Wednesday at 11:00 AM. Kindly meet at church. Interment in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may make memorial donations in her name to the Eliot Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 273 Summer St., Lowell, MA 01852. Funeral Director, Frederick W. Healy.