Obituary of Shirley Fera

Passed away peacefully with her husband by her side at the Ontario Finnish Rest home on Monday, July 10, 2023 at the age of 88 years. Cherished wife of Lou for 66 years.  She will be sadly missed by her children, Shelley (Armando Rizzo), Sandra (Don MacLennan) and Robert (Laura Vieira), her grandchildren, Richard (Jessica), Rachel (Matt), Jeremy, Amanda, Joshua (Vanessa) and Jordan.

Shirley was born in Searchmont on April 30, 1935, and met the love of her life, Lou Fera at “Tech” high school in Sault Ste. Marie, she squeezed his hand, and the rest is history. They married on September 29, 1956.

In her professional life, Shirley was a clerk at the ACR, a bookkeeper for Soo Mill and the Art Gallery of Algoma, a secretary at Queen Elizabeth Elementary School, and an Event Coordinator for the Children’s Aid Society.  She was also an avid volunteer in the establishment of the “new” Art Gallery of Algoma.

Once her children were grown, Shirley returned to school to study Fine Art at Sault College which she excelled at.  Her water colour paintings of daisies, flowers and wildlife have been displayed locally at the Art Gallery of Algoma, and through several local art shows. 

Shirley was an avid fan of all her grandchildren, she spent many hours watching them participate and excel in their sporting events and attended as many of their graduations as she could.  Her grandchildren will have fond memories of spending time together with “Nan” at cottages in the summer.  She was also known to take her grandchildren on shopping sprees to buy a new outfit.  Shirley was never seen without lipstick and her hair done, always wanting to look her best! 

Friends and family are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758) on Thursday, July 20, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Brad Mittleholtz officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Zion Lutheran Church, or the Art Gallery of Algoma (cheque only) would be greatly appreciated.

A heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff at the Ontario Finnish Rest home MKK B Wing for the care and compassion shown to Shirley and her family.