Ferne Robinson
1928-06-22 2017-05-31
ROBINSON, Dorothy "Ferne" June 22, 1928 - May 31, 2017
It is with deep sadness that the family of Dorothy "Ferne" Robinson announce her passing on May 31, 2017 at the age of 88.
Ferne was born and educated in Saskatoon, attending King George School, Bedford Road Collegiate and the University of Saskatchewan. She was active in all sports but excelled most at basketball and volleyball, earning a place on the Huskiette teams for the four years she attended the U of S. There she obtained a B Ed and a BA with a major in Home Economics. Following the completion of her B Ed, Ferne moved to Yorkton where she spent four years teaching Home Economics and Physical Education at the Yorkton Collegiate, then returning to Saskatoon where she taught Home Ec until her retirement.
Ferne had a short break from teaching when she took on the job of Program Director at the Saskatoon YWCA, and another when she returned to the U of S to pursue post graduate work in counseling and guidance. During this time she lectured in the College of Education.
Ferne was active in volunteer work with youth throughout her life, having taught Sunday school, and serving on church youth committees, YWCA and camping. Her involvement with Canadian Girls in Training was a fulfilling part of her life, acting as chair of the provincial board for 12 years and then serving on the national CGIT committee. Working in this area she influenced the lives of many teenage girls and formed lifelong friendships.
While teaching in Saskatoon, Ferne was instrumental in a program which was initiated to provide nutritious meals for disadvantaged children. This led to the formation of the Child Hunger Education Program (CHEP). Ferne was also a member of Soroptomist International where she served on the board.
Ferne was a globe trotter whose travels included Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and coast to coast travel of Canada and the U.S. In her retirement she was able to devote more time to her beloved St. Thomas Wesley Church where she had been baptized as an infant. She also enjoyed golfing and the quiet and natural beauty of her cottage at Pike Lake where she loved hosting friends for pot luck suppers and social gatherings. She was rewarded in her work with "Live Smart", a project which brought inactive seniors out for a morning of games, lunch and socializing.
During her very full life, Ferne found time to do some sewing, knitting and landscape painting, passing along her talent by teaching her nieces. Sometimes referred to as the "Crazy Cat Lady," Ferne LOVED cats and had a collection of hundreds of cat figurines reminding her of special places and people.
Ferne is lovingly remembered by her sister, Edith Apps; niece, Pat (Jim) Duggleby and family; nephew, Dick Robinson and family; niece, Diane (Brent) Okrainetz; her special great-nephews, Jon and Jay and special great-niece, Jill; nephew, Ken Apps and special cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Howard and Bertha Robinson; brother, Bob Robinson, sister-in-law, Betty Robinson; as well as niece, Lynn Griffin.
A special thank you is extended to the very dedicated Dr. Harrington and the kind and caring staff of Extendicare. A Memorial Service will be conducted on Monday, June 5, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Thomas Wesley United Church (808 20th St West, Saskatoon, SK). Memorial donations in Ferne's memory may be made to Preston Extendicare (2225 Preston Ave., Saskatoon, SK.) or St. Thomas Wesley United Church (808 20th St. West, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0Y3) or CHEP (1120 20th St. West, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0Y8). Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hillcrestmemorial.ca Arrangements entrusted to Carley Brown.
It is with deep sadness that the family of Dorothy "Ferne" Robinson announce her passing on May 31, 2017 at the age of 88.
Ferne was born and educated in Saskatoon, attending King George School, Bedford Road Collegiate and the University of Saskatchewan. She was active in all sports but excelled most at basketball and volleyball, earning a place on the Huskiette teams for the four years she attended the U of S. There she obtained a B Ed and a BA with a major in Home Economics. Following the completion of her B Ed, Ferne moved to Yorkton where she spent four years teaching Home Economics and Physical Education at the Yorkton Collegiate, then returning to Saskatoon where she taught Home Ec until her retirement.
Ferne had a short break from teaching when she took on the job of Program Director at the Saskatoon YWCA, and another when she returned to the U of S to pursue post graduate work in counseling and guidance. During this time she lectured in the College of Education.
Ferne was active in volunteer work with youth throughout her life, having taught Sunday school, and serving on church youth committees, YWCA and camping. Her involvement with Canadian Girls in Training was a fulfilling part of her life, acting as chair of the provincial board for 12 years and then serving on the national CGIT committee. Working in this area she influenced the lives of many teenage girls and formed lifelong friendships.
While teaching in Saskatoon, Ferne was instrumental in a program which was initiated to provide nutritious meals for disadvantaged children. This led to the formation of the Child Hunger Education Program (CHEP). Ferne was also a member of Soroptomist International where she served on the board.
Ferne was a globe trotter whose travels included Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and coast to coast travel of Canada and the U.S. In her retirement she was able to devote more time to her beloved St. Thomas Wesley Church where she had been baptized as an infant. She also enjoyed golfing and the quiet and natural beauty of her cottage at Pike Lake where she loved hosting friends for pot luck suppers and social gatherings. She was rewarded in her work with "Live Smart", a project which brought inactive seniors out for a morning of games, lunch and socializing.
During her very full life, Ferne found time to do some sewing, knitting and landscape painting, passing along her talent by teaching her nieces. Sometimes referred to as the "Crazy Cat Lady," Ferne LOVED cats and had a collection of hundreds of cat figurines reminding her of special places and people.
Ferne is lovingly remembered by her sister, Edith Apps; niece, Pat (Jim) Duggleby and family; nephew, Dick Robinson and family; niece, Diane (Brent) Okrainetz; her special great-nephews, Jon and Jay and special great-niece, Jill; nephew, Ken Apps and special cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Howard and Bertha Robinson; brother, Bob Robinson, sister-in-law, Betty Robinson; as well as niece, Lynn Griffin.
A special thank you is extended to the very dedicated Dr. Harrington and the kind and caring staff of Extendicare. A Memorial Service will be conducted on Monday, June 5, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Thomas Wesley United Church (808 20th St West, Saskatoon, SK). Memorial donations in Ferne's memory may be made to Preston Extendicare (2225 Preston Ave., Saskatoon, SK.) or St. Thomas Wesley United Church (808 20th St. West, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0Y3) or CHEP (1120 20th St. West, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0Y8). Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hillcrestmemorial.ca Arrangements entrusted to Carley Brown.