Bernadette J. (Fortier) Johnson, age 95 of Lowell, passed away on July 27, 2021, at Fountain View of Lowell. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul & Estelle Fortier; husband, Robert; son, James; grandson, Paul Despres; and 6 siblings. Bernadette is survived by her daughter, Alicia Despres; sons, Timothy (Deborah), Stephen, Gerard, Bernard, Mark; grandchildren, Gerard (Monica) Despres, David (Gigi) Despres, Stephen Jr. (Amy), Kevin, Jennifer, Renee, Joseph, Christina (Scott) Dailey, Matthew (Elizabeth), Burt (Amy), Tammy (Matt) Erste; sister, Maxine (Rick) Falls; many great-grandchildren; and several nieces & nephews. Bernadette loved people and loved to give her time to others. She was an avid volunteer for many different organizations including, Meals on Wheels, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) through the Lowell Police, and she was in charge of the government commodities in Lowell. She had an open door policy in her home, and always welcomed others with her huge heart. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Fountain View of Lowell for their wonderful care given to Bernadette. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 AM on Monday, August 2, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 402 Amity Street, Lowell, Michigan, 49331, with visitation one hour prior. Fr. Aaron Ferris presiding. Interment St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Bernadette’s name can be directed towards a charity of choice.
17 Responses
Miss you, mom. I learned a lot from you; mostly how to treat people. I thank you for your example.
Miss you Mom. It will be so strange not stopping at fountain view to visit you.
I miss you Gramere! Your active lifestyle and the double solitaire game you taught me at 6 years old continues on with your grandchildren. Thank you for bringing your humor and wisdom to our lives.
Bernadette you meant so much too me, miss you dearly! Rest easy my love, until we meet again!
I will miss u dearly.youtaught me alot about being a mother.you were like a mom to me love you
I’m your great grand daughter. I never got to meet you like I wanted too. But rest easy, we’ll all miss you <3
I will miss you dearly.you were like my mom when i first came to Michigan.you taught me how to cook and to be a mom.now you are in God’s hands.
Thank you for all the fun memories of summers spent on the farm in Ada. Love to Alicia , Tim and brothers. Your mom was always kind and generous to me.
Very special Lady! Loving and caring heart! And beauty both in and out!
My condolences to family and everyone she touched.
Rest in peace dear lady!
I was one of the beneficiaries of Bernadette’s open door policy. She was a patient listener and an entertaining friend, even to a teenage girl. She was an example of good cheer and fortitude even when the going was tough. Will miss you, Bernadette! May your portion this day be in peace and your dwelling in the heavenly Jerusalem.
Aunt Bernadette you always had an open door now God has opened his door to welcome you home. Rest In Peace. Our prayers, Alicia, for you and your whole family in this most difficult time.
Love,
Very sorry for your loss. But glad she’s with Mom again so they can laugh & shake things up!!!
Barbie & Eddie LeTarte
Bernadette was a living witness of Christian hospitality to me as her young neighbor way back when. She was a cheerful servant to many people beyond her immediate family. May God reward her for her generous heart and years of serving others. My condolences to all for your loss.
My sweet Bernadette u will be missed by so many I love you so much u were a blessing in my life I’ll always remember you getting ur way with me well simply because you were you rest easy my sweet angel one day I’ll hug u again and annoy you with all my I love you’s back to back til you would either say it back and make my day or til you would say “I KNOW YOU DO” prayers to the family.
I want to thank everyone for your memories of Mom I’ll keep reading these and hopefully see more.
Dearest Gremere,
Such fond memories. I remember you waking up at 4am and feeding me before school. You’d stand in the kitchen for what seemed like hours just to make silver dollar pancakes – 10 at a time until I couldn’t eat anymore. I remember your smile and your laugh when you would tell me you were gonna beat me with “a wet noodle” if I didn’t behave.
I remember some of my fondest moments of my childhood was summers spent with you and Eloise at KOA campground. I was safe there. I always felt safe with you both.
I am thankful I was able to visit you one last time before you left this world for the comfort of Jesus’s arms. Although your mind didn’t recognize me, I believe your heart remembered.
Always loving. Always a grandma. I will miss you dearly.
Until we see each other again.
Love, Tammy
I only met you once but you were so beautiful. We will all miss you so much ❤️