Ferne MATTISON

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MATTISON: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ferne Robina Mattison on February 28, 2010 at her residence, Dinsdale Personal Care Home in Brandon, Manitoba. Ferne was the youngest child of Ernest and Esther Drake, born June 20,1920 in Lashburn, Saskatchewan. Her father was a school teacher and principal in several communities in Saskatchewan. When she graduated, Ferne went on to nurses training in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She nursed and became the matron of the hospital in Rabbit Lake, Saskatchewan. Following WWII she met and married Doug Mattison of Rabbit Lake, Saskatchewan. Together they raised four children, Esther, Helen, Linda and Doug. The family settled in Melville, Saskatchewan in 1950, where Doug was employed with the CNR. Ferne was devoted to her family, her church and her friends. She took great pride in her home and wonderful care of her family. She was very involved in All Saint’s Church as a member of the congregation and served several years as an executive member of both the Altar Guild and AWA. When her children became somewhat independent, Ferne decided to add a new chapter to her life. She became a librarian for the Melville Public Library and later the Head Librarian for the Parkland Regional Library. In this capacity she helped many people to appreciate the wonder of literacy and the magic of books. As a young person, Ferne loved to play tennis and skate. She was well read and loved to play card games, especially bridge. Ferne was always interested in current events and the politics of the day. She loved to watch sports on TV, especially hockey, baseball, curling and even Saturday night wrestling! Ferne had many special friends throughout her life, and treated all with respect and acceptance. She was a role model to all who knew her. She is survived by her four children, Esther (Curly) of Onanole, Manitoba; Helen (Glenn) of Spruce Grove, Alberta; Linda (Tom) Price of Brandon, Manitoba; and Doug (Wendy) of Chater, Manitoba. She also leaves ten grandchildren (Sharon, Brian, Brett, Barry, Shane, Robby, Josh, Zach, Tessa and Rayna, ten great- grandchildren (Bonnie, Jennifer, Dustin, Sara, Ayden, Jordan, Jaryn, Riley, Samuel and Zoe), many nieces and nephews (Joe, Drake, Jim, Hughie, Leanne, Judy and Joyce), and two sisters-in-law, Mary Mattison and Hazel Dawson. Ferne was predeceased by her mother in 1955, father in 1958, brother James Marshall in 1944, sister Helen Ernestine in 2002, and her beloved husband, Doug, in 1980. Following the death of her husband, she and her son Doug relocated to Brandon, Manitoba, so she could be closer to more of her family. She continued to enjoy many years with her family and friends, also becoming a member of St George’s Church. Her health declined in recent years, and during this time, Ferne was well cared for by the professional and compassionate staff at Dinsdale Personal Care Home. Cremation has taken place, and a service to celebrate Ferne’s life is to take place in Melville, Saskatchewan, at All Saint’s Anglican Church on June 19,2010 at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service and interment will follow at the Melville Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers include all of Ferne’s family; urn bearer will be Ferne’s beloved son, Doug. Expressions of sympathy may be made at matthews@sasktel.net. If so wished, a donation in Ferne’s memory may be made to the Parkland Regional Library, Salvation Army or a charity of choice. Arrangements are with Matthew’s Funeral Home, Melville, Saskatchewan.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 12, 2010