Agnes Fern Jacobsen

As the family matriarch, Fern cultivated strong and loving relationships with each of her daughters and grandchildren, sons-in-law, siblings, nieces and nephews, and extended family.  Fern highly valued her many friendships, and especially with her dear friends, Darlene, Rene, and Johanna.  An active genealogist, Fern spent many happy hours online and on foot tracking down obscure branches of the family tree. Fern was a lifelong learner who stayed up to date on current affairs, and pursued diverse intellectual interests in Western Canadian history, provincial, federal and global politics, economics, immigration and indigenous issues, composting and recycling, as well as antiques and collectibles. Fern was a great conversationalist who took a sincere interest in people’s lives and enjoyed a lively debate. At the age of 77, Fern died on her own terms and surrounded by her family. 

Born in Canora, Saskatchewan, Fern grew up in Brooks, Alberta. She completed post-secondary studies at SAIT in Calgary before getting married and raising a family.  Fern supported her husband Mike by doing all of the accounting and office administration for his company, All-Mod Structures, for more than 25 years. Fern worked in retail for many years at the Calgary Airport, Marlborough Mall and Sunridge Mall.  Fern was a confirmed bibliophile and active reader who delved into stacks of books she collected from the library, book stores and garage sales. Fern enjoyed sewing and crocheting, watching historical television series, going for high tea at the Empress, Heritage Park and Pasu Farms, and visiting her sister’s farm.  In retirement, Fern volunteered at Bethany Care Center, at the Airdrie Food Bank, and on the Board of her Condo Association. Fern also loved to try new recipes, write letters to politicians, complete puzzles, read voraciously, and spend time with her daughters, grandchildren and friends.

Fern is survived by her daughters: Bonnie Vandenberg and son, Michael; Michele Jacobsen-Thoresen (Terry) and their two sons, Erik and Kai; Karen Maniaci (Paul) and their children, Madison and Anthony, all of whom live in Airdrie; sisters, Cecile and Charlotte; and brother, Lawrence. Fern was predeceased by her husband, Mike, her infant grandson, Johnathan, and parents, Peter and Agnes, and also by her beloved orange and white 21 year old cat, Taffy, who was a family legend for his sour temper and mercurial disposition.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the magnificent medical team at the Peter Lougheed Hospital, her physician, Dr. Radhmila Parmar, staff with Home Care, Calgary Health Region, and the staff at Luxstone Manor. 

Fern was a generous neighbor and active volunteer who helped to make her community a better place to live. If friends so desire, contributions can be made in memory of Fern Jacobsen to the Airdrie Food Bank:  http://www.airdriefoodbank.com/donate.html.