Tribute

Ferne Elsie Barnes Lawlor Majors passed away peacefully at the Holmberg House in Abbotsford, BC on June 21, 2016 at the young age of 63, after courageously battling cancer for two years. Ferne was born on May 2, 1953, in St. John's Newfoundland, to her mother and father, Ruby and Robert Barnes. Growing up with eleven siblings, Ferne made it her prerogative to be an independent woman – continually striving to better herself and her family.  It is no wonder that at a young age she fearlessly gathered up her two children and made her way from Newfoundland, across Canada, to British Columbia in hopes of a better life. This was not an easy endeavor, however Ferne persevered with her journey and continued to grow, raise her children and help others along the way.  Ferne has had many remarkable accomplishments during her short time with us.  She represented the British Columbian dart association and became one of the top female dart competitors in Canada – Ferne would go on to win numerous tournaments throughout North America. At the age of 61, while battling cancer, Ferne decided that she should further her education – she graduated her accounting program with honors.  She was very proud to finally have a photo of herself in a cap and gown to show her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed the simple Things in life, like a glass of red wine, watching black-and-white movies, giving out thank -you cards and spending quality time with her family and friends. She wanted nothing more in life than to help others, acknowledge the good in people and educate herself and others in making better life choices. Ferne is predeceased by her parents, Ruby Hackett Barnes and Robert Barnes, and sister, Ruby Barnes Collins. She is survived by her loving children; son, Nelson Jr. (Roseanne); daughter, Lonetta (Geordie) and their father, Nelson Lawlor Sr.; grandchildren Nelson III, Chelsea, Cody, Courtney, Brenden and Rebecca; Her brothers and sisters, Bobby (Linda), Alex (Jane), Sandy (Brian), Sonya (Bill), Judy (Colin), Shelly (Lawnie), Dawn (Pierre), Wanda (Tony), Keith (Joanie) and numerous other family and friends. Celebration of Life will be held at the Legacy Church on July 2, 2016 at 1:00PM, 9012 60th Street in Surrey, BC.
We would like to extend a special thank-you to the Holmberg House staff for the care and compassion they provided for our mother. In Lieu of flowers, we are excepting donations to the ‘Bring Ferne Back Home’ fund. Our mother's wish was for her children to lay her to rest in both the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean – in honor of where her life began, in Newfoundland and ended, in BC. It is very important to us that we fulfill her final wishes and so we would appreciate any support we can get to help us bring her home to Newfoundland.

Thank you

Nelson and Lonetta

If you wish to support please send to,
fernetogohome@gmail.com