Obituary of Cerina Pearl French

In Loving Memory Cerina “Pearl” French It is with great sadness that the family of Cerina “Pearl” French (née Benson) announces her peaceful passing, surrounded by loved ones, on August 25, 2026, at The Manor Village in London, Ontario, at the age of 93. Pearl is survived by her loving children, Ronald (Erica), Dennis (Janet), Dianne (Alan), Donna (Jim), David (Cat), Wanda, Vivian (Bob), Cindy (Tom) and Pearl (Derek). She was also the proud Nanny of 22 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Pearl was born in Grates Cove, Newfoundland, on February 8, 1933, to Ethel and Howard Benson. She was predeceased by her siblings Wallace, Beatrice, Alma, John, Harold, Eva and Alfred, as well as twins Rita and Walter. Pearl and her husband Fred French raised their nine children in a bungalow in Scarborough, Ontario, where they also opened their home to any relative or friend in need. When the children were a little older, Pearl began a career she loved at Supreme Aluminum in Scarborough, where she worked for 24 years. She later graduated from a floral design program in 1989. In 2003, Pearl moved to Grand Bend, Ontario, with her partner, Harold Clarke. She was an avid line dancer for many years. Pearl and Harold enjoyed many trips together, especially yearly jaunts to Newfoundland to visit family and to Cuba, where Pearl always made sure to bring candies and small gifts for the children there. A few years after Harold passed away, Pearl was fortunate to find love once again with her friend Dave McClure, with whom she spent her final years. Pearl and Dave created many special memories together, particularly while attending church and plays and enjoying picnics. In 2025, Pearl moved to The Manor Village in London, Ontario, where she was warmly welcomed by the residents and staff. Everyone wanted to meet her! Pearl was such a legendary lady and will be missed so much. She had an epic life filled with lots of love and great company. Family and friends were grateful to have spent time getting to know her over the years, listening to her storytelling, witnessing her joy of music and dancing, and seeing the huge love she had for all her family and friends. Pearl is remembered for her generosity, boundless energy and mischievous sense of humour, as evidenced by the traditional Thanksgiving bun fight. She will be remembered for her figgy duff and date squares, and the gigantic Christmas stocking filled to the brim with gifts and the slippers she crocheted for everyone. She loved her cats, Suzie and Abby, her collection of dolls, as well as working in the garden. Although we are forever grateful that our mother passed in such a peaceful and loving way, our lives—and the lives of everyone she touched—will be a little less bright without her. The family extends a special thank-you to everyone at The Manor Village for the love and support they gave Pearl and her family. We would also like to recognize Dr. Kanwar and the VON care team for the kindness and care they provided to our mother. A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, October 25 2026 between the hours of 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 500 Beck Crescent, Ajax, ON L1Z 1C9. Although Pearl adored flowers, those wishing to honour her memory may donate to the Dementia and Alzheimer’s Society of Huron Ontario (https://www.gbahsf.org/donations/ Online condolences may be made at www.biemanfuneralhome.com (Bieman Funeral Home, 3970 Hamilton Road, Dorchester, ON N0L 1G2 - (519)-268-7672 - in charge of arrangements)