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
Louis Tanguay
Pierre Jadoul
Que de bons souvenirs de Jean ,une femme de grande qualité à l’image de la grande famille de Bell. Mes sincères condoléances à tous les siens.
Noée et Yves Campagna
Jean a été pour nous une précieuse amie. Femme de grand coeur et d’esprit remarquable, il a toujours été bien agréable d’échanger avec elle. Elle a été aimée et admirée de tous ceux qui l’ont connue. Nous joignons notre chagrin à celui de Jacques, sa famille et tous ses amis à qui nous exprimons nos plus sincères condoléances.
Jeanne Lacombe
Linda, Monsieur Bernard, Richard et Philip, je vous offre mes plus sincères condoléances. Comme vous le savez j’ai eu le privilège de travailler pour Jean et j’en garde de beaux souvenirs. Grâce à mon lien d’amitié avec Linda, j’ai pu continuer de rester en contact avec cette grande dame. Pour une dernière fois, j’ai eu le bonheur de partager sa table lors du mariage de Victoria l’an passé. Je vous vois en janvier et vous souhaite un Noël serein.
Richard Sullivan
While we only knew Jean as a child with brief but warm visits over the years, she is part of a beautiful family who have enriched our lives and are considered part of our family. We were welcomed to Saint John , New Brunswick in the early fifties by the Staples family who took us in and made us welcome in our new city. Since day #1, Moonyeen, Jean and her siblings made sure we were taken care of until they moved back to Knowlton. Ever since there has been a bond of love so we send our prayers of support to all who loved Jean and are certain that she is resting in peace and in the arms of Kay and Al. Lovingly, The Sullivan Family
Norman and Donna Doucette
Jean was such a dear friend for many years and will be dearly missed. Many fond memories of happy dinner parties and wonderful outings. Jacques and family, our most sincere condolences.
Deborah Marr
My sincere condolences to Jean's loved ones. Jean lived each day as a gift and touched many lives along the way. She will live on in many happy memories shared by family, friends and colleagues.
Gail Whittaker
Gone but not forgotten . My deepest sympathies to the whole famly.
Jocelyne Carrière
Mes plus sincères condoléances à toute la famille et proches.
FERNANDO
I JUST WANT THAT ALL YOU FIND A LITTLE PIECE AND COMFORT IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME. WITH ALL MY HEART,THOUGHS AND PRAYERS TO LINDA AND ALL HER LOVING FAMILY.
FERNANDO
Jean était une personne d’exception. Super efficace, toujours attentive aux besoins et opinions des autres et d’une gentillesse extrême. Un modèle de professionnalisme. Mes profondes condoléances à tous les siens.