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Fern Doreen Heslop (née Graves)

February 8, 2025

Passed away on February 8, 2025 at Victoria Hospital with family at her side.  Predeceased by her husband and soulmate Kenneth Wilbur Heslop (2008) and parents John and Aggie (née Charters) Graves.  Also predeceased by sons Kevin (2020), Kelly (2023) (Cathy), sister Iva Groom (1995), brother Roy (2005) and best friend since 1952 Eleanor Fair (2023).

Fern will be missed by son Ken (Abbie) and good friend Mary Fitzpatrick (Bill).  Survived by Lisa, mother of Mark, Kevin and Brad.  Beloved grandmother of Mark, Tyler, Mac, Kevin, Carlee and Bradley, Bill and Peter Fitzpatrick, wife Sarah and great-grandmother to Leyla and Dylan Fitzpatrick, all of London.  Sister of June Dewhirst, Simcoe.  Aunt of many loved nieces and nephews.

Fern was always an active member in her church, most recently, Calvary United Church.  She was also very active and passionate in PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization).  She was also very active in many other activities and groups, helping wherever she could.  She was a class of ’55 nursing graduate of St. Joseph’s Hospital in London, and worked in nursing for 40 years.  Fern resided at Longworth Retirement Home since 2019.  Fern was a very special lady who touched the lives of many with the love, laughter and caring she provided through her life.  She will be sorely missed and remembered with love.

A funeral service will be conducted at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., with visitation from 1:30 – 2:00 p.m.  For those unable to attend, the funeral service will be live-streamed.  You can register to watch the livestream here:  Remembering Fern.

The family is requesting that no flowers be sent.  In lieu of flowers. donations in memory of Fern may be made to PEO Sisterhood, Chapter M.  Please choose M\ON London (ON-QC) on the dropdown box when using the online donation form.  You can also transfer the Chapter M treasurer at peochapterm2021@gmail.com.

“Do not cry that I am gone but smile I was here.

Those of us who have died, walk beside you every day.”

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I am no longer working at Longworth but have great memories of Fern . I so enjoyed her company while cleaning her room .

~ Marilyn Kummer

My sincere condolences to all of Fern’s family. My mom, Nancy Best and Fern became great friends over the last few years at Longworth. Keeping tabs on each other and dining together while sharing a laugh or a smart comment! I am grateful for Fern’s kindness towards my mom. She misses her very much. We too were fortunate to get to know Fern and share stories while enjoying Sunday night roast beef dinner in the family dining room. She was quite a lady with a very interesting fulfilling life of service and kindness. She will never be forgotten.

~ Jacqui Seys

Love you Aunt Fern You'll be missed To ALL her family , Onward and Upward

~ Randy

Aunt Fern was a wonderful Aunt . Conversations were always insightful and witting. I will miss her very much.

~ Stephen Graves

When I was introduced to the Sisterhood of P.E.O. Chapter M (London), Fern was so very generous in welcoming me. Fern always showed such interest in my life and news of my family with my husband, Jerry. Fern was indeed a genuine friend, full of joy for others and completely supportive in all ways possible to assist the promotion of women in education. Her support went beyond her own Chapter as she generously contributed to the organizing of our new St. Thomas Chapter in 2023. I loved her sense of humour and sparkle which was contagious. She was an excellent role model to all of us Sisters. May she smile in comfort in Chapter Eternal.

~ Mary Jane Collins (P.E.O. Chapter U St. Thomas)

Fern was a wonderful PEO sister and friend. I will miss our chats, her generous nature and that warm and welcoming smile. Denise

~ Denise Moreland

Fern was my inspiration ! I loved her like she was my mother , Or older sister . Couldn’t even imagine how hard it was for her to loose 2 sons out of the three she had . But she has grandsons which she loved as only she could love. I know Ken welcomed her with open arms , because he promised her he would wait for her . Fern held me as a baby, and treated me like the daughter she never had. She was the one person in my life , I could and did, go to with all my life questions, my successes, my faults, my troubles, my questions about faith, life, as a mother, as a wife, then a grandmother , everything ! And now I don’t know what I will do without her !

~ Dianne Burns nee Graves

We are sending our deepest condolences to the Heslop family. Fern was such a wonderful person. She will be greatly missed.

~ John & Marian Yuill

Fern and my mom, Eleanor Fair, went through nursing training together and remained friends ever since. Until last year when mom died, they lived a few doors apart at Longworth Retirement Home where they got into wild costumes at every opportunity. Fern's grandson Kevin interviewed them together and continued to collect stories of Fern's remarkable life. She didn't have it easy but she sure was resilient. My favourite Fern expression at the end of a visit: "I'm going to love you and leave you". My sympathies to Mary and family.

~ Maureen Fair

Sending condolences to all of Fern’s family. Fern was my friend from Verschoyle Public School in the 1940’s. I remember seeing her on the steps at St. Joseph’s Hospital when she was in training there. I lost track of her for 45 years. My sister Marjorie gave her sister June my address and Fern immediately reached out. We quickly rekindled our friendship and stayed in touch by phone, and visiting back and forth. Ken, Fern, Paul and I had many good times together. Her friendship was a special one to me, and I will miss her. Love and prayers, Dorothy

~ Dorothy McLaughlin

Dear Heslop Family, We send condolences as you celebrate her life while grieving the loss of your matriarch Fern. Her death sadly reminds us of Kevin’s loss. We so wish that Kevin could walk through the door with some boat part for he and Bob to repair or upgrade. We send blessings to all who love Fern. Hugs, Dawn and Bob.

~ Dawn and Bob Merrimen

Fern was our neighbour across the street for many years. She was the self-appointed social director for our condo group and hostessed many parties at her home. Many summers she coordinated enjoyable, outdoor potlucks for the entire neighbourhood. Fern was not only organized, determined and hard-working but also a kind, welcoming face to everyone who attended the parties. She faced many health issues and set backs in life with optimism, good humour and the call for “Onwards and Upwards!”. When she left the neighbourhood there was a void which has never been replaced. We will remember her as a warm, generous, remarkable woman and dear friend. Our sincere condolences to Mary Fitzpatrick and her family and Fern’s family members.

~ Mary and Brian Morris

I will truly miss your calls and emails that were always witty, positive and kind. You always left me smiling whenever I spoke to you. Your family is definitely in my thoughts at this time. Michele at Dr. Ouellet's office

~ Michele

Dear Ken and Abbie. Our sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. It sounds like she led a very active and community minded life. May your memories be a comfort to you in the days ahead. Grant & Debbie

~ Grant Wren

Services for Fern Doreen Heslop (née Graves)

Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario

February 15, 2025 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm

Funeral Service will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario

February 15, 2025 2:00 pm

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PEO Sisterhood, Chapter M

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