Blanche Bell Ferdon

Blanche Bell Ferdon passed peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, January 15, 2020. She was born April 3, 1938 in Pensacola, Florida to Dr. John D. Bell and Helen Saunders Bell. She attended Pensacola High School, graduating in 1956.

Blanche married young and started a family, raising daughters Blanche Marie and Anne Gregoire in Gulf Breeze, Florida. She received her Associate Degree in dental hygiene at Pensacola Junior College and worked as a dental hygienist until she retired. She married Dr. Charles P. Ferdon in 1977 and moved to Shalimar, Florida. While working she attended the University of West Florida and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree.

Blanche’s life was marked by adventure, travel and the great outdoors. Her theme song was Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again,” which she sang at the start of every adventure. Her travels started from a young age and brought her around the world, sharing many memories near and abroad with family and friends. Boating, fishing and sailing brought her much joy; she loved the salt air. She had a deep passion for nature, and could always be found in her garden: digging in the dirt, composting, and picking flowers. She sought to learn and make the world a better place.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dr. Charles P. Ferdon, in 2016 and step son Charles W. (Cookie) Ferdon in 2019. Blanche is survived by her children, Blanche (Olin) Nicholson and Anne (Wilhelm) Larsen, Susan Ferdon and John M. (Destiny) Ferdon. Blanche is also survived by her sister Cynthia (Roger) Bennett and grandchildren Martin Batey, Madeline Batey, Eileen (Kyle) Eazsol, Christopher (Leah) Weston and Laura (Luke) Biraldi and great grandchildren Perrin Weston and "CP" Weston as well as many loving cousins, nieces and nephews as well as extended family and friends. Her spirit of fun and her beautiful smile will be missed and remembered by all who knew her.

A private memorial will be held for family and friends later this year. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that you make a positive impact on the world in her memory. Plant a tree, travel to a new place, pursue your passion and make someone smile. Blanche left a positive mark on the world and her family wishes that that remains her legacy.