KIRKNESS: Elizabeth Kirkness (nee Griffiths) of Brandon passed away February 20, 2000. Born near Wrexham, North Wales August 13, 1919. Elizabeth "Bessie" was raised in the Welsh coal mining village of Penycae, North Wales. At age 14 her father was killed in the Gresford Colliery Disaster, leaving her mother Sarah with 7 children to raise. Bessie emigrated to London, Ontario in 1946. While in London she met and married Jack Kirkness. They were both in the AA Fellowship at the time. Elizabeth lived the AA life and remained a long standing member for the last 45 years. During which time she was a founding member of the first women's AA Group in Brandon. She often opened her home to women in need. Together with Jack they built themselves a cabin at Thomas Lake in 1971 and enjoyed many summers there. She remained a homemaker throughout her marriage and enjoyed baking. After 54 years, she still had strong ties with her family in North Wales. She was predeceased by her husband Jack in 1997; twin sister Vera; brother Jim; sisters Sarah and Hilda of Wales. Left to mourn her passing are daughter Heather Dechka (Bob); granddaughter Corinne (Brent) Willms; great-grandchildren Brant and Courtney of Brandon. Also sister Harriet; brother Ellis; nieces and nephews all of North Wales. Graveside service was held at Carberry Plains Cemetery, Carberry, Manitoba on Thursday, February 24, 2000. Donations in memory of Elizabeth may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association, 8-940 Princess Avenue, Brandon, R7A 0P6. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.