Drew I. Bernier

BARRE – Drew Isaac Bernier, 7, of Barre, passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at the Boston Children’s Hospital in Massachusetts. Drew suffered from severe, life threatening, complications from a bone marrow transplant he received in May, 2014 to treat a pediatric form of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), which is a genetic blood disorder. Drew had fought a courageous and inspiring battle with his illness that had people from his community, to all the way around the world, supporting him. His loving family was with him at his bedside at the time of his passing.
Born on January 14, 2009 at the Gifford Hospital in Randolph, he was the son of Josh and Marie (Gordon) Bernier. He was baptized at the Barre Congregational Church. Drew attended Kindergarten at Barre City Elementary School and pre-school at The Golden Apple Preschool and Learning Center. Drew adored school and had a special bond with each of his teachers.
Drew was a, caring, funny, outgoing, and friendly seven year old boy who loved exploring and learning all about the world around him. . He loved cooking and organizing with his mom, playing with trucks, going to mud bogs with his dad, working on his dad’s mud truck, scouting for deer, and golfing with his dad. Though his activities became restricted during his illness, he was perfectly happy spending quality time with his mom and dad and hanging out with his friends when he could.. He also loved creating sand art, building legos, acting like the real super hero that he was, and watching his favorite shows on TV, such as cartoons, Swap People, Gold Rush, and Ax Men. He especially loved being a big brother to Sophia, and she loved him from the very first time she laid eyes on him. As his parents, we are very comforted by knowing that Drew will always be there to look over his baby sister. While much of Drew’s time during the last two years of his life was spent at Boston Children’s Hospital, he did not let that bring his infectious spirit down. The hospital became our home and Drew formed such strong bonds with many of the nurses, doctors and staff at 6 West while they were treating him. They joked that Drew was “The Mayor” of 6 West. We are forever grateful to the dedicated workers at Boston Children’s Hospital. Drew rarely complained or cried about his situation and we believe this was due to all the love and support he received. The strength and courage Drew possessed over the last two years was remarkable and it helped us all remain positive and united as a family. Drew overcame incredible odds and physical challenges time and time again throughout his illness and it has been an absolute privilege to be his parents. His will to survive and winning smile will live in the hearts of many forever.
Drew is survived by his parents, Josh and Marie Bernier and his two-year-old sister, Sophia Bernier of Barre; his grandparents, Karen Gordon and Chuck Acebo of Barre Town, Jim and Sue Bernier of East Barre and Elaine and Ron Duke of Marshfield; one uncle, Mike Bernier of Williamstown; three aunts, Christine Elwell and her husband, Brian, of Northfield, Jenn Bernier of Berlin, and Britney Bernier of East Barre as well as many cousins.
His grandfather, Drew A. Gordon of Barre, predeceased him on July 15, 2001. Marie’s father never had the honor of meeting Drew and Josh and I are comforted by the knowledge that both Drew’s are now together playing fetch with our 10 year-old English Bulldog, Maggie, who passed away last fall.
A Service of Remembrance and celebration of Drew’s life will be held at the Barre Auditorium on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. Following the service there will be a candlelight vigil outside the Auditorium and they ask that those who wish to partake could bring a small candle for themselves. The family would also like to ask those in attendance to wear their “Drewstrong” apparel or orange shirt.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Drew Bernier to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift.