- Date Of Birth: August 16, 1923
- Date Of Death: September 15, 2020
- State: Ohio
Willard B. Fernald, M.D., born August 16, 1923, died September 15, 2020 at Bickford of Bexley where he had lived for the last 5 years of his life. He had been married to his most beloved best friend, Elizabeth (Bette) Taylor Fernald, in an extraordinary partnership for nearly sixty years until her death in 2008. He died gracefully, peacefully, gently and still thinking of others first.
Will received his BA from Brown University after an interruption to serve in the Army Air Corps in Guam during the Second World War, and his MD from Harvard Medical School in 1951, for which he always credited the support of the G.I. Bill. He continued his service to others throughout his lifetime.
Will and Bette opened their house in Bexley to provide sanctuary to more than 80 people who needed a place for restoration after being battered by the world. Will invested himself and his resources in people and matters of the spirit, rather than personal gain. Many people are alive or living enriched lives because of Will’s compassionate heart. Will made great use of every second of his 97 years in the service of others. He lived an exemplary life.
Will and Bette are survived by their children, Willard T. (Tom) Fernald (Mary), Tora Fernald Huntington (Joel), Margaret Carlton Fernald, and Theodore Barker Fernald (Betsy Horner); grandchildren, Julia Tompkins Fernald Huntington, Margaret Vea Fernald Huntington, Marena Horner Fernald, and Eleda Horner Fernald; and the innumerable lives that they touched.
Time: Nov 21, 2020 11:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
The registrar’s name will be Sam Lebold and his email will be provided for any questions.
When you register with your name and email, we encourage you to let us know your affiliation to Will in the Comment box.
