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Fern Brown
FUNERAL HOME
Goldman Funeral Group - Skokie Chapel
8851 Skokie Blvd.
Skokie, IL
Brown, Fern
Fern Brown, a devoted mother, wife, author, and lover of life, passed peacefully at her home in Riverwoods, IL at the age of 102. Born Fern Bernice Goldberg on December 23rd, 1918 in Chicago, IL, Fern lived most of her life in the north shore suburbs of Highland Park and Riverwoods. Fern was an accomplished author of children's literature, penning more than 32 young adult books in her career. She was also a lecturer on creative writing, an avid golfer who claimed a hole-in-one, and an avid horse enthusiast. In recent years, she learned and became a good Chess player at 100. Fern lived by the motto, "You do something for your mind, something for your body and something for someone else every day of your life". Fern was an inspiration to her family and friends. She lived life to its fullest and instilled in all those who knew and cherished her a love of life, people, and personal adventures. Fern was preceded in death by her loving husband, Leonard J. Brown. Fern loved her family dearly and until her sudden passing, joyfully took part in many family celebrations and reunions. She will be missed by both family and friends who loved her dearly and with unfailing devotion. She is survived by her cherished children: Hal and Marsha Brown and Betzy and C. Wesley Barnett. She adored and inspired five precious grandchildren and their spouses: Allison and Gardner Humphreys, Stacey and Warren Stevens, Cristi Barnett and Jenny Lee, Blaine and Marci Barnett, and Marni and Jason Stephens. Fern had nine treasured great grandchildren: Jay and Ella Humphreys, Malia Stevens, Paxton and Lennox Barnett, Mia, Hayley, Brandon Barnett, and Liliana Stephens. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Alzheimer's Association of Chicago: https://www.alz.org/illinois.
A celebration of Fern's life will be Sunday, October 10, 2021, 2:00 p.m. at the Skokie Chapel, 8851 Skokie Blvd., Skokie (at Niles Center Rd.) followed by condolences at the Chapel. The memorial service will be livestreamed on Fern's webpage at www.goldmanfuneralgroup.com. For additional information: The Goldman Funeral Group (847) 478-1600.
Sign Guest Book at legacy.suntimes.com
Fern Brown, a devoted mother, wife, author, and lover of life, passed peacefully at her home in Riverwoods, IL at the age of 102. Born Fern Bernice Goldberg on December 23rd, 1918 in Chicago, IL, Fern lived most of her life in the north shore suburbs of Highland Park and Riverwoods. Fern was an accomplished author of children's literature, penning more than 32 young adult books in her career. She was also a lecturer on creative writing, an avid golfer who claimed a hole-in-one, and an avid horse enthusiast. In recent years, she learned and became a good Chess player at 100. Fern lived by the motto, "You do something for your mind, something for your body and something for someone else every day of your life". Fern was an inspiration to her family and friends. She lived life to its fullest and instilled in all those who knew and cherished her a love of life, people, and personal adventures. Fern was preceded in death by her loving husband, Leonard J. Brown. Fern loved her family dearly and until her sudden passing, joyfully took part in many family celebrations and reunions. She will be missed by both family and friends who loved her dearly and with unfailing devotion. She is survived by her cherished children: Hal and Marsha Brown and Betzy and C. Wesley Barnett. She adored and inspired five precious grandchildren and their spouses: Allison and Gardner Humphreys, Stacey and Warren Stevens, Cristi Barnett and Jenny Lee, Blaine and Marci Barnett, and Marni and Jason Stephens. Fern had nine treasured great grandchildren: Jay and Ella Humphreys, Malia Stevens, Paxton and Lennox Barnett, Mia, Hayley, Brandon Barnett, and Liliana Stephens. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Alzheimer's Association of Chicago: https://www.alz.org/illinois.
A celebration of Fern's life will be Sunday, October 10, 2021, 2:00 p.m. at the Skokie Chapel, 8851 Skokie Blvd., Skokie (at Niles Center Rd.) followed by condolences at the Chapel. The memorial service will be livestreamed on Fern's webpage at www.goldmanfuneralgroup.com. For additional information: The Goldman Funeral Group (847) 478-1600.
Sign Guest Book at legacy.suntimes.com
Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Sep. 19, 2021.
MEMORIAL EVENTS
Oct
10
Celebration of Life
2:00p.m.
Goldman Funeral Group - Skokie Chapel
8851 Skokie Blvd. (at Niles Center Rd.), Skokie, IL
MAKE A DONATION
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
MEMORIES & CONDOLENCES
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
15 Entries
Fern was my late mother's friend for 60 years since their days together at Teacher's College -- and it turns out Fern had even longer friendships! I began calling her regularly over the last couple of years of her life -- I only wish I'd started sooner! I enjoyed her wisdom, resilience, and good cheer every time we talked -- and it was beyond gratifying to learn from Betzy how much she enjoyed our conversations as well. I miss speaking with Fern -- and treasure the time(s) we spent on the phone together.
Robert Cohen
Family
October 15, 2021
Fern was an inspiration. She always had a smile on her face. We shared many classes---first atHighland Park Fitness and then at Sky Fitness.
Phyllis Faber
Other
October 14, 2021
Fern was such an inspiration! I had the honor and joy to live next to Fern since moving to Riverwoods in 2001. She was so full of life and had such a wonderful sense of humor. I will miss her greatly. Rest in peace amazing woman.
Mary Farhi
Friend
October 10, 2021
Fern was my besty in the neighborhood. She was amazing as she could converse about any topic. She loved my grandson Logan and he loved her. In the spring whenever we found a new beautiful flower he would say "lets take it for Fern" and we did.
The day before she left us he wanted to go visit her but somewhere I got busy and distracted and then the next day she was gone.
What a beautiful woman what a wonderful life.
Sweet Fern we miss you and we will never forget you
XXXXXOOOOO
Rose Ruestow
Friend
October 10, 2021
Fern-dear Fern, beautiful Fern, friend for more than a half-century, has left us, and I miss her terribly. We met at a writers' workshop and soon became lunch companions, dinner companions, telephone chatterers, party givers, even, Fern with Leonard and I with my husband, companions on a two-week RV (recreational vehicle) press trip.
Through the years Fern, "The Beauty"-beautiful in soul and in spirit-was always there for her friends, ready to provide advice or sympathy, to listen without criticism, to understand without being judgmental.
And that sharp, perceptive mind never deteriorated. At age 101 Fern was once again a beta reader for us, and no one came up with a more insightful, more helpful analysis of our book draft.
About a week ago I wrote to Christi, Fern´s granddaughter:
"Those of us who are lucky enough to have a wonderful person like Fern in our lives are, unfortunately, destined to suffer much more deeply when that person leaves us."
But I think I was wrong. The obituaries posted here are upbeat, opening the door to moving on, remembering the happiness Fern brought to so many.
Barbara Goodheart
Friend
October 4, 2021
My dearest Aunt Beauty. What a joy, privilege and inspiration she was. Her obituary says it beautifully. The reality of her not being with us is incomprehensible. Just telling people about her through all of these years made me beam with delight. I loved spending time with her and picking her brain. She ignited a joy in others with her mantra, spirit and adorable dimples. I truly thought she could do anything along with living forever! It´s more than missing her, it´s a deep wound losing her. My heart goes out to her immediate family whom she held extra close to her heart.
All of the Grossmans and Goldmans will miss her. She was all of our treasure. Now, she´s riding horses with Uncle Leonard and enjoying being with the group that proceeded her. She earned it.
Randey Grossman
Family
September 28, 2021
Fern and my other became friends at college, and remained close friends throughout my mother's life. As children, we knew Fern as "Aunt Fern." I cherish the phone conversations I had with Fern, and will miss them. She was an inspiration and a delight to know. May her memory be a blessing.
Madeleine Cohen Oakley
Friend
September 27, 2021
Fern and my mother became friends at college, and remained friends throughout my mother's life. As children, we knew Fern as "Aunt Fern." I cherish the phone conversations we had during the past year, and will miss them. Fern was an inspiration. May her memory be a blessing.
Madeleine c Oakley
Friend
September 27, 2021
It´s difficult to lose someone who makes you feel so special and loved. For so long, my beautiful great Aunt Fern was there as a pillar of family support. Always with a smile, a kind word, a positive outlook...So many wonderful memories of a life well lived and a heart openly shared. Blessings.
Jimmy Kramer
Family
September 23, 2021
Our heartfelt condolences on passing away of your mother. Our prayers are with you and your family. May her soul Rest In Peace.
Parul & Premal Joshipura
Friend
September 23, 2021
What an inspiration - she was so energetic, kind and engaging with Alissa and Leo throughout the years. We are blessed to have met her.
Michael Baumann & Laura Trevino
Friend
September 21, 2021
It was my pleasure to meet Fern through my daughter-in-law Joyce. She graciously sent autographed books to my children when they were young. My, were they well-read! Rest in peace, Fern.
Penny Bonnar
September 20, 2021
What a blessing to have known her and great loss at her passing! Truly a Beauty in soul, spirit and inspiration! My hero!
Pat Vallelonga
September 20, 2021
Fern and Len were All Time All American!! From hikes at Starved Rock in the 40´s to there last days, they help everyone they encountered. A real legacy for all their children, grand children and great grandchildren.
ELLIE & DAVID KAUFMAN
September 19, 2021
She will be missed by everyone. She was the link in the family chain that kept us all connected. What a special person. Love and hugs to everyone
Jeri salzman
Family
September 19, 2021
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