Ferne Leslie, originally of Red Deer, Alberta, passed away in Calgary on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at the age of 81 years, after a long battle with dementia. Ferne was born on the family farm near Oakville, Manitoba on December 16, 1939 – the firstborn of George and Blanche Staples. Ferne was raised on the farm with her brother and two sisters, graduated from high school in Oakville and attended the Manitoba Technical Institute where she received a diploma in Stenography in 1960. She then worked at CN Rail in Winnipeg as an executive assistant until she married Barry Leslie in 1962. The newlyweds lived on the Leslie family farm near Poplar Point, Manitoba where they farmed alongside Barry’s parents during the summers, and spent the winters in locations throughout Manitoba and Saskatchewan, where Barry worked as a tradesman. In 1970, they moved away from farming and relocated to Thompson, Manitoba on a full-time basis and then onto Red Deer, Alberta in 1975 where they made a home on Otterbury Avenue until Barry’s passing in 2016. Ferne spent her early years in Red Deer as a homemaker, raising her young sons at home while Barry spent long stints working on the road. As the boys grew older she resumed her working career, most notably at Adviser Graphics in Red Deer. She was involved in the local Oriole Park community for a number of years and was a fixture at her sons’ school activities. In her later years she enjoyed crocheting, gardening, swimming with her girlfriends and travelling with Barry throughout the world and on local excursions in their fifth-wheel. Ferne was passionate about her family and was thrilled to become a grandmother. She remained involved with and devoted to her grandchildren to the very end. Ferne will be lovingly remembered by her two sons, Russell (Janice) and Grant (Melissa); four grandchildren, Amanda, Justine, Reagan and Blake; sisters Lucille Elvins and Marlene Bulloch; brother Bryan (Jean) Staples; as well as numerous extended family and many dear friends. Ferne was predeceased by her parents and husband Barry. A Celebration of Life will be held The Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories.
Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements in care of:

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer),

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER.

• Date : 2021-09-13
• Location : www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com