Florence Lana Bezanson (nee Ferguson), December 4, 1941 – May 22, 2021.

The Bezanson family of New Glasgow sadly announce the passing of their beloved mother and wife, Florence Lana Bezanson, on Saturday May 22nd, 2021. Lana was predeceased by her husband, Harold, and survived by her daughter, Bridget (Moncton, NB), and her son, Dwight (Belle River, ON). She is also survived by her brother, John "Jackie" Ferguson (Glace Bay, NS).

Originally from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Lana was the eldest sibling born to Donald (Donnie) Ferguson and Agnes Ferguson (nee Curry). Lana grew up in Glace Bay on Brookside Street and had many fond childhood memories of home, including spending time skating on the brook in winter. Lana graduated from Morrison High School in 1959 and enrolled in Teachers College (Normal School) in Truro. She began her teaching career in Yarmouth, where she was active in the community and belonged to a women’s bowling league. From there, in the 1960s, she made her way to Montreal. While teaching in the suburb of Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Lana married her husband, Harold, also a teacher and another Nova Scotian transplant. Lana and Harold resided in Beloeil, outside Montreal, until the mid-1970s when they returned to the Maritimes, as Lana accepted a position as librarian at West Pictou District High School. While there, she chaperoned a school trip to London, England, and often spoke of the adventure – and how she brought a full set of china from Harrods home on the plane. Shortly after returning to Nova Scotia, Lana and her husband welcomed their second child and Lana opted to put her career on hold, choosing to stay at home to raise her children for several years. In the mid-1980s, she returned to teaching as a substitute, working at many of the elementary, junior, and senior high schools in Pictou County. In the early 1990s, Lana accepted a full-time position working in the library at New Glasgow High School where she remained in that capacity until the end of her career as an educator. In the years that followed, Lana and her husband travelled extensively around the Maritime provinces. During her retirement, Lana enjoyed reading and participating in a book club, attending live music shows and theatre, even travelling to the Stratford and Shaw Festivals in Ontario on occasion.

In May 2014, Lana went into long-term care after her health issues were no longer manageable at home. Lana was well cared for by the staff at Valley View Villa during her remaining years and was frequently visited by her husband, children, and cherished family friends. There is no funeral service or wake as per Lana’s wishes. A graveside ceremony will take place at a future date at Greenwood Cemetery in Glace Bay. Donations may be made to the following: Alzheimer Society Canada  or Heart and Stroke Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow.