February 3, 1932 - November 18, 2023
In loving memory ~
On Saturday, November 18th, 2023, we lost an incredibly special person. Fern passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 91.
Fern will be lovingly remembered by her treasured daughter; Kelly (Larry); grandsons; Kevin and Colin; sister; Moira, many nieces, and nephews (great, great); her cousins and friends in England, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand; as well as many dear friends in Canada.
She is predeceased by her beloved daughter; Penny; parents; Rex and Dorothy (Cooke) Tetley, sisters; Doris (George), May (Wilf), brother; Stan (Gwen) and brother-in-law; John.
Fern was born in Innisfail on February 3rd, 1932, and moved to Parkvale in Red Deer as a child. She also spent many happy days with her extended family at Pine Lake. In her youth, Fern was a brilliant student and was awarded the Governor General Award for academic excellence. She was a well-respected elite athlete in baseball and basketball and continued to be an avid sports enthusiast her entire life. She also was a contributor to the Performing Arts. During her lifetime she made many trips to Great Britain and France.
Fern started her professional life as a teacher at Clearview County School - a one-room school. Shortly after the war she worked as a R.C.A.F. control operator in Ontario. She acquired a bachelor's and a master's degree in education at the UofA. She was with the Red Deer Public School Division from 1951-1985. Fern worked with dedication and determination as a teacher, administrator and lastly as an Assistant Superintendent.
In retirement, she delivered Meals on Wheels, founded the "Lunch Bunch" for retired women educators and volunteered in senior care facilities.
Family and friends brought Fern great joy. She was genuinely interested in the lives of others and loved her family deeply. Fern was kind and generous, supporting many causes.
Fern was a devote Anglican attending St. Luke's as a child, a long-time member of St. Leonard's and an active supporter of the Church of England.
Fern will forever be in our hearts, our laughter, and our stories. We will speak highly of her quick wit and unwavering faith. She will be forever missed.
A Celebration of Life will be announced for a date later in the spring of 2024.
The family would like to express our gratitude to Dr. N Rattan and the Palliative Home Care team.