Fern Sommer

Obituary of Fern Theresa Sommer

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Fern Theresa Sommer

(October 6, 1936 - June 30, 2022)

 

Fern Theresa Sommer of Camrose, Alberta, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at the age of 85 years.

 

Fern was born to Andrew Sommer and Odelia (Messner) Sommer on October 6, 1936 and spent her childhood and growing up years in Heisler, Alberta, one of the youngest of the Sommer brood. Fern lost her mother when she was a small child and she and her family felt that loss keenly. That may have figured largely in her development as a fiercely independent woman for her generation.


Fern had a long and dedicated work life, having been employed first in Camrose, then later in Calgary and Edmonton, after several years in Arizona.  Her last position was in Edmonton in accounts receivable with Edmonton General Hospital.


In 2003 she retired to Camrose, having bought her first home- a duplex in Duggan Park, where she lived until a short time ago when she made her last trip to the hospital. It was a joy to witness the pleasure Fern took from owning and fixing up her own place.


Fern enjoyed travelling and managed a number of major vacations, usually with various family members, to places such as Vancouver (Expo 86), Hawaii, Palm Springs, the San Francisco area, the Maritimes, Montreal, North and South Dakota, and Yellowstone National Park. She took quite an interest in golf for many years and enjoyed golf games with family and friends, having put a hole in the wall in her apartment in Edmonton while practicing her swing! Playing cards was a lifetime hobby for Fern and she enjoyed attending the Camrose Senior Centre to play cards in the afternoons right up until a few months ago.


Fern’s last few years were especially challenging for her, with a number of hospitalizations, some of which were the result of ice falls, culminating in broken bones.  It was a testament to her fighting spirit that she recovered as well and as often as she did.  But those who were close to her knew she had become tired and was ready for a rest.  Fern passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, June 30, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital in the loving presence of a sister-in-law, several nieces and a nephew at her side.


She will forever be remembered for her feisty personality and her fully developed sense of humour.... how she loved to laugh and tease!


Fern was predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Odelia, siblings Lionel Sommer, Gordon Sommer, Robert (Bobbie) Sommer, Helen Lassu, Warren Sommer, and Lorna Kroetsch, nephews Robert Lassu and Dwayne Lassu, Ricky and Randy Sommer, and great nephews Rick Hillaby, PJ Bailey, and great niece Carling Bailey.


Left to mourn her passing are her sister Donna Sommer, sister-in-law Florence Sommer, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews.
 

A Funeral Mass was held Friday, July 8, 2022 at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, celebrated by Rev. Father Danial DSouza.


If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Fern's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Friday
8
July

Funeral Mass

2:00 pm
Friday, July 8, 2022
St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church
3605 50 St
Camrose, Alberta, Canada
(780) 672-1131
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Fern Sommer

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Fern Sommer

1936 - 2022

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