Remembering Fern Isabelle Brethour

Passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Barrie on Wednesday June 15, 2016 at the age of 87. Fern Brethour, beloved wife of the late David Brethour. Loving mother of Robert (Charlotte) of Barrie, Timothy (Lucy) of Toronto and Carol (Malcolm) Stephens of Barrie. Loved grandmother of Janet, Michelle and Deanna. Dear sister of Melville Middleton (Donna) of Orillia and George Middleton of British Columbia. Predeceased by her siblings Velma Durnford and Ivan Middleton. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Doolittle Chapel of Carson Funeral Homes, 54 Coldwater St. E., Orillia, (705) 326-3595 from 2-4 & 7-9 P.M. on Monday. Funeral service in the chapel on Tuesday afternoon, June 21, 2016 at 1 o’clock. Interment to follow at St. Andrew’s St. James’ Cemetery, Orillia. If desired, memorial donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Born on November 11, 1928 to Janet (McQueen) and Mars Middleton of Orillia, Fern was a quiet child known in the family as “Baby Belle”. At the age of 15 and at the bidding of her parents (and much to the dismay of the school principal), Fern entered the working world. After working briefly in a factory, she became an operator for Bell Telephone where she worked for eighteen years. While she was still in her teens, she was promoted to Supervisor. She married David Clifford Brethour on November 22, 1952 and went on to have three children: Bob in 1954, Tim in 1957, and Carol in 1960. Fern had incredible energy as she managed home and work. She and her husband, David, shared a great zest for life and a love of family. As a family, they travelled coast to coast and elsewhere, although Orillia was always home. Once her children left home, she volunteered at her church, for Telecare and for the Cancer Society. Until her health failed, she attended church faithfully. Her faith in God was a constant presence in her life as she held on to the hope of Heaven. Fern was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister and will be sorely missed.