Fernande Larose, 1958 - 2007

Fernande Larose, late of St. Albert, Alberta, passed away December 9, 2007 in St. Albert at 49 years of age. Fern was born June 4, 1958 to Albert and Yvette Robertson in McLennan, Alberta. She attended Ecole Routhier school in Falher from kindergarten to Grade 12. During her high school years, she worked at Villa Beausejour, honing her skills for her future career. After graduating Grade 12 in 1976, she attended nursing school in Edmonton at Grant MacEwan College and worked during the summers at Falher IDA and Crédit Foncié in Edmonton. She married Mike Larose on August 4, 1979 and graduated from nursing school one year later. Fern worked as an emergency room nurse in McLennan at Sacred Heart Hospital for 19 years. She also played a significant role in raising funds for Falher Medical Clinic. Then in 1999, needing a career change, Fern attended North Alberta Institute of Technology in a two-year business administration program, graduating on the Dean’s list. Jobs being scarce in this department, Fern eventually returned to nursing for two-and-a-half years in St. Albert at Sturgeon Hospital in the emergency department. Following this, she worked at the Workers’ Compensation Board – Millar Health until her passing. At a personal level, Fern was many things to many people. She was a devoted daughter, wife, sister, the “Awesome Auntie”, a cherished friend, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, caregiver, and a dignified survivor of cancer. Her many hobbies included golfing, reading, oil painting, gardening, playing and usually winning at any card game or Dominoes, woodworking, and to Mike’s discontent…shopping. Her mornings always started with a cup of coffee and a crossword puzzle. She was never happier than when she was in the learning stages of a profession or interest and she always had new projects on the horizon in which she strived to perfect herself. Fern’s work ethic was unsurpassed and she was highly respected amongst her colleagues, family, and friends. She carried with her a no-nonsense “tell-it-like-it-is” attitude. Fern had a strong sense of justice where her co-workers were concerned and continuously fought to battle better working conditions for them. Gifted with a quick mind and impressive organizational skills, she excelled in her field. Her compassion ran deep and she could shed a tear at a drop of a hat. This quality enabled her to bring comfort and hope to many a patient. Fern’s love of a good practical joke was known community-wide. There were a few Falher realtors who spent a Monday morning or two rearranging their “for sale” signs that Fern and company had conveniently relocated around the neighbourhood. FUN was the top priority in every facet of Fern’s life. Her favourite “toys” were water balloons or water pistols. One never knew when…..or where a covert attack might occur….but I tell you from experience carrying an extra set of clothing was wise when visiting Fern. She adored Mike and their beautiful life of 28 years that they built together. They complemented each other and enjoyed many hobbies together. In any event, she wouldn’t have wanted to train another, as this one took many years. Fern was never blessed with children, but she embraced her nieces and nephews with great love. Surely they would all agree that she was their favourite aunt. Anybody who knew Fern, loved Fern. She touched thousands of lives. She had a strong faith and believed in the after-life. I know she’s smiling down on us now and giving us her thumbs up. She will be truly and deeply missed. We can all take comfort in knowing from this day forward heaven will be a whole lot brighter. Thank you. It has been a great honour. God is truly blessed now by Fern. Fern is predeceased by her father Albert Robertson and mother-in-law Madeleine Larose. She is survived by her loving husband Michel of St. Albert; mother Yvette Robertson of St. Albert; siblings Jean-Paul Robertson of Grande Prairie, Ghislaine (Mike) Cashaback of Stony Plain, Marie-Jeanne (Louis) Tokarz of Guy, Lucille (Lyall) Pratt of Edmonton, Rita Robertson of St. Albert, Julie (Lindsey) Juniper of Grande Prairie, father-in-law Adrien Larose of Falher, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services for the late Fern Larose were held Dec. 15 in Falher at Ste. Anne Roman Catholic Church with Reverend Boniface N’Kulu Lupitshi O.S.B. officiating. Ginette Aubin was organist and soloist. Honour guard were nurses of Sacred Heart Community Health Centre in McLennan. Cremation followed. Donations may be made to Smoky River Palliative Care Society. Arrangements were under the direction of Chapel of Memories in Peace River.