Jeanne M. Ferland, 83, passed away on December 30, 2017, at her home following a period of declining heath.
She was born October 28, 1934, the daughter of Oscar and Inez (Belanger) Cantin.
Ferland had many talents pertaining to the sport of harness racing. She and her husband Bob were an integral part of racing at the Rochester Fair for more than three decades.
The Ferlands also had an extensive harness racing museum (Rochester Fair Hall of Fame) located in the grandstand at the fairgrounds, but what she will probably be best known for was the way she meticulously recreated miniature racing colours, with her gift of needle and thread, where she memorialized many of the drivers who passed through New England over the years. These miniature colours, numbering in the hundreds, are currently on display in the grandstand at Scarborough Downs in Maine.
She was involved with the New England stakes program and was the driving force behind the ‘Mr. 1,000 Club,’ which brought together top drivers to compete in many of the New England venues.
She also owned and operated Beauty Bar for 49 years.
She had a great devotion to her church, as she participated in the choir, breakfasts, suppers, and fairs.
Survivors include her husband, Robert; daughter, Robyn Norton; and three grandsons.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on January 8 at St. Ignatius' St. Martin Church. Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in the spring.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jeanne Ferland.
(New England Harness Writers)