Beverly Armas Fern

FERN, BEVERLY ARMAS, a beautiful lady, passed away Thursday morning at Woonsocket Health Center followed by a desperate effort to revive her at nearby Landmark Medical Center. However, the ravages of COPD, which plagued Beverly for the past few years, were too much for her to handle. Always at her side during these final hours was her "sister" companion of many years, Mary Caine. Beverly passed into death without pain. Her husband and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Saul and Phyllis, had spent time with her late Wednesday afternoon. Beverly was a graduate of Hope High School (1952) which she classified as an excellent school often bragging about its high standards and excellent teaching staff. Her working career started in the Providence School Department followed by six years as secretary to the executive director of the Providence Chamber of Commerce. As she often emphasized, "In those days, your boss rightfully expected every comma, every period to be in 'perfect place'. The implication was that Beverly expected perfection, and so it was! Prompted by a strong desire for professional growth she took a job at the Fern/Hanaway Advertising Agency and proceeded to "learn the business from the ground-up". Her natural business savvy and strong desire to beat "any ol' college graduate" led her to a career for many years into print production and then into finance. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Evalyn (Lembo) Armas and granddaughter of Carmella Consiglio. Beverly married Sanford Fern in 1968. Unfortunately (and probably due to her intensity on the job) she suffered a stroke nine years later. However, she remained a part time department head at the Agency coming to work each afternoon in her transfer chair with Mary guiding the way and assisting where necessary. She remained at the Agency till 1997 when Jim Hanaway retired then Beverly also retired. The Agency then became Fern/Hanaway/Monti and shortly thereafter merged into the prestigious RDW Group. Beverly was an elegantly "classy" lady reflecting in her precise appearance and presentation. There was never a client that didn't love and respect her and she set a high standard for excellence. Beverly also is lovingly remembered by her step-daughter Deborah Fern. In Debbie's mind there are Beverly Fern type of clothes, Beverly Fern type of music, Beverly Fern type of restaurant and those today remain Debbie's way of saying if Beverly Fern likes it, it is the best. There will be a graveside service at Swan Point Cemetery located at 585Blackstone Boulevard in Providence on Monday, January 3 at 1:30 PM. Remembrances can be made in Beverly Fern's name at CranstonArc, 111 Comstock Parkway, P.O. Box 20130, Cranston, RI 02920. The organization services mentally challenged youngsters and adults statewide. Arrangements under the direction of Carl R. Olausen. Information and condolences at www.carpenterjenks.com.