It is with sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of Jean Andrea Bernard (née Staples).
She is survived by Jacques, her loving husband and best friend of 61 years. She leaves behind three children, Richard, Linda and Philip. She was the proud grandmother to Victoria (Jamey Colaruotolo), Laura, Alex, Nicholas and Andrew. Jean is predeceased by her siblings Eric (Robina), Shirley (John McCarthy) and Bob (Cynthia Jones). She is also survived by her siblings Moonyeen Doucet (Regis), MaryAnn Ladd (Ross), Richard (Lorraine), Sandra McDonaugh (John), Beverley Taylor (Harry), Lionel (Lynn), Kathleen Lavallée (Lewis).
Born in La Tuque Québec, Jean always had a positive spirit and met the challenges in her life with a smile and a “can do” attitude. She was a self made person who cut her own trail, and was a source of inspiration to the women of her generation. Educated in Knowlton, in the Eastern Townships of Québec, she joined Bell as a filling clerk in 1961.
During her 38 year career she rose to the senior executive ranks of Bell, and came to be known and admired for her business savvy but more so for her ability to transcend the trappings of executive privilege to connect with everyday people and employees. She also dedicated herself to countless volunteer initiatives and actively participated on the boards of the YMCA of Greater Montreal, the Fondation Marie Vincent for abused girls as well as the Handicap Children Society. In 1986, Jean was invested as an Officer of the Order of St. John. In 1988 she was named Woman of the year in Management by the Chamber of Commerce of the Province of Québec, and in 1990 was awarded the IRIS by the Association of Human Resource Professionals in Québec.
Jean lived a full and happy life. At each step and turn she was accompanied by Jacques, and together they travelled the world and created beautiful memories together. Her family rejoices at the thoughts of this life well lived.
Family and Friends are invited to visit at Beechwood Cemetery and Funeral Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa from 10 o’clock Thursday, January 16, until time of Memorial Service in the Sacred Space at 11 o’clock.
Digital Guestbook
Yves et Marjolaine Proulx
Michel Robert
Patricia se joint à moi pour t'exprimer Jacques nos plus sincères condoléances à toi ainsi qu'aux membres de ta famille.
Paolo Siraco and Renée Liss-Siraco
We have been honoured to call Jean our friend for the last dozen years + and have come to respect her wisdom over that time. Her contribution to the comforts of living in a condo while serving on the Condo Board were indicative of her life long commitment to justice and peace and good governance. Jean will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences to Jaques and family. You will all be in our prayers while you mourn the loss of a dearly beloved one.
Paolo and Renée
Sally Wright
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. May the memories that you have all made with Jean help you through. Heaven has received another angel.
Gaétane et Guy Huneault
Désolés de cette triste nouvelle, nous vous offrons à toi et à ta famille, nos plus sincères condoléances. Nos prières vous accompagnent dans ces moments douloureux
Jean et Krish Huneault
Nos plus sinceres condoleances a toute la famille.
Marie-Josée Savoie
J'offre mes plus sincères condoléances à la famille. J'ai eu l'honneur et le privilège de connaître Jean, une femme remarquable et tellement chaleureuse. Je garde de précieux souvenirs des moments passés en sa compagnie.
Patrick and Dianne Cummins
Dear Jacques and family. It is with deep regret Dianne and I will not be able to join you at Jean's service. We are committed to attend another funeral service at the Perley and Rideau on the same day and time. We will however be with you in our thoughts and prayers and extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathies to you and your family.
HAMID AND SHAMS MORTAZAVI
We are deeply sorry about the loss of JEAN ADNREA. As you grieve, know that we are remembering and honoring her.
Thinking of you, wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain.
Nos sincères condoléances a toi et ta famille .