Obituary of Betty Gendreau

ELIZABETH A. GENDREAU

Elizabeth (Betty) Ferns Gendreau, 86, of Winter Haven, FL, formerly of Lemington, VT, passed peacefully at her home on April 13, 2021, with her family by her side after a sudden decline in health. Betty was born on May 19, 1934 in North Attleboro, MA, the eldest child of Albert W. Ferns, Sr. and Gertrude (Lumnah) Ferns.

Betty met the love of her life, Alfred (Fred) Gendreau Sr, whom she married in 1953 and together they began working on their large family which currently stands at 100 (including spouses) - her eight children: Alfred (Fred) Gendreau Jr, (Luanne), of Columbia, NH; Carol Lanctot (Michael) of Berlin, NH and Winter Haven, FL; Paula Chapple (Wayne), of Winter Haven, FL; Diana Gendreau (Ned Holt), of Lancaster, NH; Patricia Gendreau (Ron Watson) of Errol, NH; William (Bill) Gendreau (Carrie) of Littleton, NH; Annette Marquis (Gerald) of Twin Mountain, NH; and Richard (Rick) Gendreau (Holly) of Perth, NY; nineteen grandchildren, thirty-nine great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Betty’s work experience included operating the family farm they owned in Canaan, VT, then later in Columbia, NH; Store clerk at Ray Frechette’s in Canaan, VT; Laborer at Tillotson Rubber Company in Dixville; CNA at UCVH and clerical work at Coos County Nursing Hospital in West Stewartstown, NH. While employed at St. Regis Paper Company in West Stewartstown, NH, she obtained her accounting degree, which eventually led to her role as Regional Accounting Director at Champion International. When she retired and moved to Florida, she worked in the Thrift Shop at St. Matthews Catholic Church for fifteen years as a volunteer.

Betty’s greatest achievement was her husband and their family whom she adored. She spent countless hours baking, and crocheting blankets, slippers, newborn baby sets, christening outfits, dishcloths and kitchen towels for every single family member. Betty was also a seamstress and over the years created beautiful clothing and wedding dresses for her daughters.

In addition to her husband, children, and grandchildren, Betty is survived by her siblings, Florence (Fuzzy) Deslauriers (Bob) of Redding, CA; Louise Fredette (Skeets) of Colorado Springs, CO; Helen Bennett (Dean) of Rochester, NY; Al Ferns (Rosey) of Colebrook, NH; and Lois Whittemore (Ron) of Claremont, NH; her in-laws Florent (Gerry) Gendreau (Lou) of Lincoln, RI; Rita Gendreau of Rehoboth, MA; Theresa Gousie of Attleboro, MA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty was predeceased by her great-grandson, Ayden Gendreau, her sister, Evelyn Goudreau, her brothers-in-law, Armand Gendreau and Frank Gousie, her parents, Albert and Gertrude Ferns, and her in-laws, Clement and Clarine Gendreau.

Funeral services will be held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Winter Haven, FL on April 30, 2021 at 9:00 a.m., which can be viewed online via saintmcc.com and click on Live Church Cam.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s name can be made to St. Matthews Catholic Church, 1991 Overlook Drive, Winter Haven, FL 33884. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.steelesfamilyfuneralservices.com