Beatrice (Fournier) DesjardinsCambridge - Beatrice (Fournier) Desjardins, 97 passed away on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, VT. She was born on January 2, 1913, in Garthby, Quebec daughter of the late Emile and Marie Louise (Vachon) Fournier.
Bea and her family moved to the United States when she was 14 years old, settling in Johnson. She earned her way through nursing school by working as a housekeeper for Ruth Greene Mould, a well- known Vermont artist. Mrs. Mould painted many portraits of Bea which are now displayed in museums and galleries throughout New England. Bea’s favorite portrait is owned by Johnson State College, and hangs in Dibden Center for the Arts.
Bea was a WWII veteran having served as a nurse in the Army Air Corps. Upon returning home her nursing career took her from Dr. William Mann’s Hospital in Jeffersonville, to owning and operating the Country Nursing Home in Smugglers Notch with her husband Ernie, and later working at Copley Hospital in Morrisville and for Lamoille Home Health.
Bea put the needs of others first always with such grace and humility. Her unexpected wit made her an endearing friend to all. She was an inspiration to many.
A member of St. Mary’s Church in Cambridge since 1954, Bea most recently served as Eucharistic Minister. Her love for and confidence in the Blessed Mother became her strength through all of life’s trials.
She is survived by her sons: Douglas and Sylvio; a daughter Angelica Poore and her husband James; six grandchildren, Monique and husband Eric; Jeremy; Joshua and wife Ashley; Amanda; Samantha and Rebecca; Three great-grandchildren Chloe, River and Peyton; Two sisters, Rolande Houle of Williston and Pauline Cote of Morrisville; Many nieces, nephews and friends who became part of the family.
She was also predeceased by her husband, Ernest and a brother, Gabriel.
Visiting hours will be held at A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Fairfax Chapel on Friday March 5, 2010 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, Cambridge on Saturday March 6, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend Francis Prive and Reverend Daniel Jordon concelebrating. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family time and date to be announced in the family lot in the Evergreen Ledge Cemetery in Johnson. Bea loved flowers! If you wish, memorials of flowers in her memory may be made to adorn the altar at St. Mary’s Church, P.O. Box 129, Cambridge, VT 05444. Arrangements are by John D. Workman – A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Fairfax Chapel, 1176 Main St., Fairfax, VT 05454. The family invites you to share your memories and online condolences by visiting
www.awrichfuneralhomes.com
