Fern Brown Obituary

What can I say? I still miss Fern.

I've thought of Fern often since her passing, and so miss talking with her now and then when I called -- and it meant so much to me to learn, after her passing, that my calls were important to her, notwithstanding all her loving family and friends.

I think of Fern often -- and especially of the maxim she lived by. I really should post it on my bulletin board, so I can more conscientiously try to live by it every day.

My sister wrote, citing a common Jewish invocation, "May her memory be a blessing." I think we can say that it definitely has been, and will continue being so. And may all those who remember Fern help make it so.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our heartfelt condolences on passing away of your mother. Our prayers are with you and your family. May her soul Rest In Peace.

What an inspiration - she was so energetic, kind and engaging with Alissa and Leo throughout the years. We are blessed to have met her.

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.

What a blessing to have known her and great loss at her passing! Truly a Beauty in soul, spirit and inspiration! My hero!

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.

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