Obituary of Fern Witham

Mabel Fern Witham, 89, of Smiths Falls, Ontario passed away on May 17th in Perth, Ontario. As per her wishes, there will be no funeral. Her family will be hosting a visitation at a later date. Fern was born in Richmond, Ontario to William and Josephine Leach on July 29, 1932. Her schooling was completed in Richmond, Ontario (having ridden to public school as a child by horse and sleigh in the winter). She worked for several years at Bell Telephone in Smiths Falls during the times when you could dial “0” and speak to a live operator. She left this job to raise her three children. She was a devoted mother and spent a great deal of her time trying to keep us very busy and out of trouble. She seldom missed a trick. She returned to work as a switchboard operator on a part-time basis over the years after that, ultimately retiring reluctantly from Rideau Regional at the age of 65 per institution policy. She was an avid golfer in her later years and always enjoyed a game of crib or euchre. She was known to go alone with a very skimpy hand at euchre many times with mixed results. She loved her home and took immaculate care inside and out. She was a whiz on her riding lawnmower - delivering a precision trim. She was known for her relentless energy and work ethic up to the time when her respiratory deterioration made this impossible for her. She was a proud mother of Paul, Debbie (Clark Johnston) and Robby (Natalie Bilodeau). Proud grandmother of Jared Witham, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Whitney Witham Campbell (Adam Campbell) Ayr, Ontario, Amelie Cate Witham and Olivia Chloe Witham, Barrhaven, Ontario. Proud great grandmother of Avery Campbell and Isla Campbell. Fern is predeceased by her husband, Robert Gordon Witham and eldest son, Paul William Witham. Memorial donations may be made to a charity or organisation of your choice. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Van Horne Manor staff in Smiths Falls where she spent 5 happy years (after begrudgingly moving in following a heart attack in 2016). She made many great friends there and received truly exceptional care. A very special thanks is extended to Judy Duncalfe who kept everyone safe there during the COVID outbreak. We would also like to thank the staff of Carolina Retirement residence for their care the last several months during her recent decline in health. Fern passed away in hospital and we would like to acknowledge kindness of the staff. Thank you to Dr. Taylor, Dr. Simpson, and nurses Teegan, Trish and Hayley. You are truly wonderful and a credit to your professions. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lannin Funeral Home. Online condolences available at www.lannin.ca