We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved family matriarch, Fern Ioan Shortt (née Betts), on January 4, in her 94th year. Ioan was born to Winetta (McMullen) and Cecil Betts and grew up during the Depression on a farm just outside of Flesherton. From an early age, she demonstrated determination and a strong sense of humour that would define her life. At sixteen years old, after completing just one summer of Normal School, Ioan began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in East Luther. There, she taught all eight grades—some of her students only months younger than herself. It was in this same community that she met her future husband, Elmer Shortt, who lived just one concession over and together they shared 73 years of love, partnership, and devotion. After a devastating fire destroyed the barn on their initial farm, they relocated a short distance away and rebuilt their lives with resilience and resolve. In their fifties, they retired from farming and moved to Fergus, where they enthusiastically embraced this new chapter of life. A gifted writer and natural storyteller, Ioan authored a much-loved column for The Star and Vidette for over ten years. She was deeply involved in the Monticello Church, where she taught Sunday School, led church groups, and was famously known for her butter tarts, pies, and tea biscuits. Ioan is survived by her husband Elmer and her five children: Kathy (Ted Oldfield), Keith (Cris), Kevin (Jack Bond), Karen MacDougall (Colin), and Kelly (Kevin Brown); her brother Robert; her thirteen grandchildren: Geoffrey, Alyssa, Lucas, Matthew, Ryan, Alexandra, Branna, Brogan, Bronis, Padraig, Madison, Cedar, Levi and six great-grandchildren: Louisa, Huron, Leeroy, Cecilia, Ellie and Jasper. She was predeceased by her younger brother Murray. Ioan was deeply loved and will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and her wry sense of humour. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. Friends and family will be received on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 12:00pm to 1:50pm followed by a funeral at 2:00pm at Melville United Church, 300 St. Andrew Street West Fergus, ON N1M 2W7. Reception will follow. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations made to Melville United Church or Monticello United Church would be appreciated by Ioan’s family. Arrangements were entrusted to Graham A Giddy Funeral Home Ltd., 280 St. David St. S. Fergus, ON N1M 2L5, (519) 843-3100. Visit www.grahamgiddyfh.com for Ioan’s online memorial.
