BEZANSON, Fern Gladys (Dell) – Age 87 of Wallaceburg, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at Bluewater Health – C.E.E. Site, Petrolia. Fern was born on January 23, 1935 to Allan and Ada (Hunter) Dell in Becher, Ontario and later moved to Port Lambton, Ontario with her beloved husband and best friend Roy Franklin Bezanson (2010). Fern attended Duthill S.S. No. 9 school and Wallaceburg District Secondary School. In 1952, Fern was employed with Bell Canada as a switch board operator and later promoted to a supervisor position. In 1969, she drove a school bus for ten years with the Lambton County Board of Education. Loving mother to Eric (Stacey) Bezanson of Wallaceburg and Allan (Debbie) Bezanson of Petrolia. Loved and cherished grandmother of David (Sam and Niah), Connor (Jessica), Jared (Marissa), Kaitlyn (Riley) and Jenna (Alex). Predeceased by her sisters Marion Thibert (2004) and Margaret Marlatt (2020).
Fern was a talented musician who taught herself to play by ear. She was known for playing the piano and accordion at the same time. She organized the band “The Joy Makers”, volunteering her musical talent for many years, entertaining at nursing homes, residences, churches and numerous events. Fern never passed a piano without stopping to play. When her talent on the piano went viral, she provided joy to thousands, if not millions, of people. Fern was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, her church and community. She will be deeply missed by her Sandra Crescent friends and all who knew and loved her.
Friends and family will be received at STEADMAN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPELS, Brigden on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 from 2-4 and 7-9pm. Funeral service will be held at Church on the River, 3886 St. Clair Parkway, Port Lambton on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 10:30am. Interment to follow at Duthill Cemetery. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Church on the River. Memories and condolences may be sent online at www.steadmanbrothers.ca. Steadman Brothers 519-864-1193.
Very saddened to learn of the passing of Fern. She was a delightful, entertaining, warm-hearted individual quite adept at the keyboards!
Dear family of one of the sweetest women I’ve ever met, please accept my heartfelt condolences to you all.
I’m grateful the world was able to see a glimpse of one of the greatest “joy makers” to ever grace this earth. If it wasn’t for an appointment getting cancelled the day I captured the video in Value Village, the world would have had a lot less joy in it. May Fern rest in the sweetest, peace. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Xo
Dear Al & Debbie,
I was so sorry to read today of your Mom’s passing Al. I remember when Eric & I visited your parents in Port Lambton. My sincere sympathy, Gale Mosher
Our Condolences to Eric and Stacey and family on the passing of Fern.
Al and family
Our deepest sympathy at this sad time.
Thinking about every one.
Hi Bezanson Family
So sorry to hear about your mama.
I have fond memories of her driving the school bus but most importantly leading worship with her accordion.
Someday we’ll all be reunited again with Myrtle Broad and we’ll have a foot stomping good time.
Allan, we talked about your mom since Gala Days but none of us had your contact number. Just know we thought of you, prayed for you and the family during these past few weeks.
Sincerely, Susan Highfield Brouwer
I am so sorry to hear about Fern’s passing. She was a great friend to my Aunt Wilma. I think the last time Wilma spoke to Fern on the phone, Fern put the phone down on the piano bench and played, so Wilma could hear her. Wilma really enjoyed it – It was lovely. Wilma spoke highly of Fern’s piano talent! What a great group, “The Joy Makers”.
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Fern – a lovely lady. She will be missed at all the musical gatherings.
Thinking of you all during this hard time. Continuing to pray for you all during these days of saying goodbye. Hugs!
Lynette and Tim
So sorry to hear of Aunt Fern’s passing, Eric and Allan and families. She was one of a kind and I’ve loved her since a child. Aunt Fern was always so understanding and had an ear for listening whenever it was needed. I’ll miss calling her like I with Mom. Take care boys and sorry that I won’t be able to make it tomorrow but my thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of sorrow-love Janet Marlatt and family
Al and Deb and family, we are so sorry to hear of Fern’s passing. We hope that the happy memories of her will help you during this difficult time. She lived a wonderfully long life and leaves behind a legacy of happiness. Be proud that you can carry on that happiness. Love, the Given family.
My parents (late Carl and Anne Armstrong) were lifetime friends with Fern. Fern was always a pleasure to talk to. Sorry for your loss.
Fern was a very beloved and talented musician who provided a much appreciated music ministry for many years at the Walpole Island United Church monthly gospel jamm. She will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate to know her.
Dear Allan & Deb & Family , Ron & I are truly sorry for the loss of your Mother…one of the hardest losses in ones life is a parent..we are thinking of you during this time of loss
Ron & Kim Arnold ( neighbor )
My deepest sympathy to the families. Fern was a beautiful lady inside and out and her talent for music was amzing. Loved Fern very much and she will be missed by so many. The Joy Makers gave joy to many many people., music is such a great healer. Blessings to Al, Eric and families. hugs. may God give you strength. love Mary Ann
My deepest condolences on Ferns passing, she will be missed by all that know her…..she always was kind and supportive to myself and family🤗
To Al & Debbie and all Bezanson Family and close friends. My condolences to you all. All the best to you during this time of reflection and celebration of Life.
What a privilege it was to get to know Fern and be blessed by her music, particularly her piano playing. You haven’t heard “Victory in Jesus” until you heard Fern play it! She was also quite the encourager, recruiting people to participate in the Annual Christmas program at LBC and praising anyone who provided ministry in music. The world’s a better place because Fern was in it. She made a difference. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. My sincere condolences to all her family and dear friends.
Debbie, Al and family
My sincere condolence with your loss; My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time
Fern was such a wonderful person. We loved when she would play music at church.
Our condolences to Al, Eric and families. You are in our Prayers.
My condolences to Eric, Stacey, Allen, Deb and families. Fern was such a lovely person to all who knew and loved her. She led by example, showing us the true way of Christianity, always ready with a smile and encouraging word. Her gift of music brought much joy to those around her. Fern’s kindness will be sadly missed in this somewhat cruel and judgmental world we live in. Heaven gained an angel though our loss.
I remember Fern from the Becher church she was a real influence on my Christian Walk
So sorry for your loss Eric and Stacey, Connor, David and Jared. Fern was a wonderful lady and I know how proud she was of all of you. So many laughs when we got together, especially at Christmas time. She was a joyous soul and loved spreading that joy to everyone, especially through her music. Heaven will be filled with music and I’m sure she has already found a piano there and Roy is joining in with the singing..
Fern also loved her ukelele and we so enjoyed her enthusiasm as we all learned together and then became the Wadukes band that played for nursing homes, .Churches ,Schools and at the John D Bradley building for a car show. Bill was faithful to drive her places when she didn’t feel up to it .If there was a music program, she was there .When my husband Grant Martin was singing with the King’s Servant Quartet from 1970 on Fern was usually at all the local concerts. and wished them well on concerts in Chicago . Iroquois Falls and Nashville.We will miss her. Margaret
Dear Al and Debbie,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers go out to all of you.
Jack and Kathy McCallum
Al , Debbie and family
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother /grandmother . Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time .
Al and family ; So sorry for the loss of your mother. I was always envious of her talent every time I heard her play the piano.
So sorry for your loss Eric, Stacey and to all the family!
Our deepest condolences.
Lee & Serge
So sorry to the Families of Fern. She was a special lady. I grew up down the road from her many years ago. My prayers are with at this sad time.
Sorry for your loss. Fern was such a lovely lady, always so friendly when you ran into her, worked at the Bell Telephone with her many years ago.
Good morning to all the family and friends Fern was a dear friend and a wonderful person She lived beside me in are apartments .She would play her music sometimes during the day and this was always so pleasant to hear.I will miss her and I sent my condolence and Love to all.
Our deepest sympathy a you grieve the passing of your mom. May your cherished memories sustain you in the days ahead.
Don and Donna
Thinking of you all during this sad time!!! Cherish the memories. Hugs!!💕
Sorry for for your loss Eric and Alan 😪Condolences to you and your families
So sorry to hear of Fern’s passing. She was such a joy to be with. She brought happiness to everyone around her. .
We were so thankful for her life long friendship with my mother. We will miss Saturday evening pizza and long conversations on the phone. Listening to her playing the piano and her warm smile.
Our heart felt condolences to Eric, Al and your families.
Thinking of you Al, Deb and family.
So sorry to hear of your loss Al, Deb, Kaitlyn and Jenna.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family
I am so very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing…such a loved woman will surely be missed. My deepest and most sincere sympathy to each of you who loved her.
So sorry for your loss.