Willow Ferne Beaney

WILLOW FERNE BEANEY, age 98, left this life on April 20, 2016, for her heavenly home. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Frank Whitman Beaney. Born to Ernest and Effie (Clark) Percy on December 17, 1917 in Chateaugay, NY, she lived most of her adult life in or around Watertown, NY, moving to Charlestown, RI, in 1997. A graduate of Watertown High School, she worked for a time in Philadelphia, PA, in a women’s mission before being employed as a bookkeeper and stenographer for Champney Wholesale in Watertown. She and her sister Ona Mae traveled and sang as the Percy Sisters in churches in upstate NY and Canada. Upon Frank’s return from the Pacific Theater in WW11, they were married by the Rev. Irwin Brown on February 28, 1946 at the Standard Church in Watertown. Known life-long as Ferne, she is survived by her children: Beth (William) Calabro of Charlestown, Lowell (Cyndie) of Jackson, MI, and Connie Joy (James) Grindle of Rio Rancho, NM. Also surviving are ten grandchildren: William Lobdell, Marc (Trina) Sexton of North Stonington, CT, Michael (Kerri) Calabro of Richmond, Colleen Calabro of Queens, NY, Scott Beaney, Matt Beaney, and Allison (Robert) Wheeler all of Jackson, MI, Todd (Jalene) Jonckheere of Lake Orion, MI, Robb Roos of Madison, WI, and Jillian Roos of Grand Rapids, MI. She also leaves ten great-grandchildren: Paige Lobdell, Michael Sexton, Tyler and Ayla Dean, Zachary, Molly and Caroline Calabro, Madelyn and Alyssa Wheeler, and Dylan Jonckheere; a special cousin, Audrey(Allan) Smith of Brockville, Ontario, Canada and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sisters, Ona Mae (Carman) Featherstone and Florence (Clifton) Titus. Ferne gave her heart and dedicated her life to her Savior, Jesus Christ, as a young child and never wavered from that decision. She truly lived her faith and shared it with others through her sweet disposition, loving heart, and ability to accept with grace whatever life gave her. Generous and welcoming to all, she always thought of others above herself. Her children are blessed beyond measure to have been left her legacy. Ferne served in many church positions throughout the years including pianist, Sunday School teacher and missions leader, and she and Frank sang for the radio program “Sacred Meditations”, aired over WWNY in Watertown, NY. Sought after as a writer and commended for articles which appeared in several Christian publications, she also wrote many poems. As an artistic person who worked with different mediums, she also showed that flair in exquisitely beautiful penmanship. Well known as a prodigious letter-writer, she kept contact with many relatives and friends and worked many hours on her family genealogy. She loved children and animals and they, in turn, were drawn to her. A modest woman, she would have been amazed by the outpouring of love she has received, especially from staff, residents and families at Brookdale South Bay, her residence for the past four years. Her family is grateful for and appreciative of those who provided loving care during that time. Visiting hours will be held at the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, RI on Monday, April 25 from 9:30 AM until 11:30 AM, at which time the funeral service will commence with the Rev. Stoner Smith officiating. Ferne will be laid to rest beside her husband during a private burial service led by her nephew, the Rev. Paul Grassie, in Sanford Corners Cemetery in Calcium, NY on Wednesday, April 27. Donations may be made in her memory to Evangelical Wesleyan Mission, PO Box 160070, Spartanburg, SC 29316 or Hope International Missions, PO Box 1065, Hobe Sound, FL 33475.