Obituary of Elizabeth Ferne Wolstenholme

It is with great sadness that the family of Elizabeth Ferne Wolstenholme announces her passing on Tuesday, October 26th, 2021. Born in Wirral, New Brunswick, on November 26th, 1928, Ferne was the daughter of William H. Smith and Marguerite (Howell) Smith of Sussex Corner, NB. She is predeceased by her first husband, Clifford P. LeBlanc (1968), and her second husband, Dennis A. Wolstenholme (1997), as well as her sons-in-law George Haley and Barry Haydon. She is survived by children Michele LeBlanc, Joanne LeBlanc-Haley, William LeBlanc (Crystal Verge), Kerry Wolstenholme (Linda), and Nancy Wolstenholme-Haydon along with grandchildren, Tobin Haley (Gregory Bowley), Roselie LeBlanc, Aidan LeBlanc, Christine Arsenault (Mark), and Andrea Wolstenholme. She will be missed by great-grandchildren, Kira and Emma Rose Arsenault, Michael Goodine, Chloe Leger, Selby Bowley, and great, great-grandchild, Josie. She is also survived by her only sister, Jean Hatfield. Ferne leaves behind a large family that includes many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ferne grew up in Sussex Corner and, after graduating from Sussex High School went on to complete a program at Mount Allision Commercial College. This led her to Ottawa, where she worked for Veterans Affairs and met her first husband. She became a military wife for 20 years and lived in various parts of Canada and overseas. After her husband died, Ferne returned to Fredericton with her three children. She met her second husband through her work with Forest Extension Services at UNB and the Canadian Forestry Association of New Brunswick. This union created a new blended family. Wherever Ferne went, she brought with her love of music and could be seen playing the piano at dances in the early years, at churches, the legions, and whenever friends and family gathered. She was gregarious and able to engage with people wherever she found herself. Another of her passions was history, and Ferne was the family genealogist spending hours researching the family trees and mining the stories of the people she found. This interest extended into the local histories of the many places she lived. Ferne was an active member of the York Sunbury Historical Society, the Nashwaak Bicentennial Association, and the Fredericton Irish Canadian Cultural Association. Ferne was a spiritual ecumenical person who enjoyed exploring, discussing and debating theological issues. In her later years, she was a member of Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton. She was a constant support to her family and friends throughout her life, no matter the circumstances. Ferne once said she was thankful for the people who were with her in the hills and valleys of her life. She will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew her. We would like to thank the kind staff and the residents of Ste. Anne’s Court where Ferne made her home for 4 years. We also extend our appreciation to the staff at Windsor Court for their care and compassion during her short stay there. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the DECH staff at the Emergency Room and the staff of 4 North East for their kindness and empathetic care. McAdam’s Funeral Home has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. A visitation will be held at McAdam’s Funeral Home on Monday, November 1st, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. A Funeral Service will take place at Christ Church Cathedral in Fredericton on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 2:00 PM. Due to current provincial regulations, proof of vaccination and identification will be required for entry to the gatherings. For those unable to attend, the service will also be live streamed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWusCo1t-vRV1JlhePk3RPA/featured In keeping with Ferne’s wishes, any donations to Food Banks, Homeless Shelters, Christ Church Cathedral Restoration Funds or to a charity of the donor’s choice would be greatly appreciated.