Obituary of Fern Albert (neé Lelievre)

After a nearly 4-year battle with cancer, Fern passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on Sunday, August 7, 2022, at the Greater Niagara General Hospital. She was in her 87th year. She has finally been reunited with her husband Willy (1972), her one true love.

She was a loving and devoted mother of Lori (Bob), Wendy (Robin), Bill and a second mother to many others through the years, including a particularly special relationship with Rose Ann (Larry). She was the generous and doting Granny or "Grannykat" of Wesley (Andreanne), Kristin, Daniel (Kylie), Eric (Michelle), and Great-Granny of Elliot and Chloé. She will be fondly remembered by her sister Belle Liberty, sister-in-law Aileen Adams and by many nieces and nephews. Fern was predeceased by her parents Pierre and Christina Lelievre and by her eight siblings: Roseanne, Johnny, Margaret, Pat, Lydia, Helen, Marvin and Bobby.

Though the youngest girl Fern kind of developed into the “matriarch” of the family and the best confidant you could ask for. When visiting her at home, she'd always extend a warm welcome, saying, “Let me put the kettle on”. She was an extremely generous lady and always willing to lend an ear, a shoulder to lean on and to many, even a place to stay. Fern was an avid cook and even more avid collector of cook books. Fern found great pleasure in cooking and baking (sometimes at all hours of the day or night), drinking tea with “Just two drops of milk”, but most of all her favourite moments in life were spent eating and chatting with her family and friends and singalongs at the cottage.

Fern was a strong Catholic and a long-time parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church as well as a member of the Catholic Women's League. She also spent many years volunteering at the Coronation Center. With a strong faith, deep love and courage, Fern was able to raise and provide for her family through all the years even when she was left widowed. She was most proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took enormous enjoyment in watching them grow and begin families of their own.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the nursing staff and doctors on the 3rd Floor at the Greater Niagara General Hospital for their considerate care in her final days, and to the many nurses and PSWs from ParaMed who helped her through some difficult times, especially Gary, Carrie and Michelle, for their continuous care and for providing great comfort to our Mom and ourselves through difficult times.

In accordance with Fern’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 4673 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls, on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 10am. A private Rite of Committal for the family will be held at a later date. In memory of Fern, donations given to Victoria’s Quilts Canada would be appreciated by her family. Online condolences may be shared on Fern’s tribute page found at EssentialsNiagara.com.