Obituary of Fern Elizabeth Schnurer

1937-2024

Fern Schnurer (nee Barsi), beloved wife of the late Joe Schnurer, passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the age of 87 years.

Fern was born in Cosmo, AB, on January 16, 1937, to Nick and Elizabeth Barsi. She was the oldest of seven children and spent most of her life in the Sangudo, AB, area, with a brief amount of time spent in Abbotsford, BC, following the passing of her mother in February 1950.

She married Joe Schnurer in November of 1955, and they had two daughters, Faye and Laurie. Fern worked alongside Joe on the family farm until his passing in September 2008. She also worked at Sangudo Bigway grocery store and Extendicare in Mayerthorpe, AB.  Fern loved being outside and took great pleasure in caring for her huge yard, which she kept meticulous.

In their early days, Fern and Joe curled together at the Sangudo curling club which they both enjoyed. In the winter months, you could find Fern in her sewing room. She especially loved sewing for her grandkids; they never wanted for PJ’s or Halloween costumes. 

Fern’s greatest joy in life was her family, with whom she made many memories on the farm south of Sangudo, AB.

Fern is survived by her daughter Faye Rudkin of Calgary, AB, and son-in-law Gary Ryan of Kelowna, BC; grandchildren, Matthew Ryan and Kristoffer Ryan, both of Vancouver, BC, Andrea (Kelly) Hinton, Natalie Rudkin, Diana Rudkin, and Scott Rudkin all of Calgary, AB; and great-granddaughter Elizabeth Hinton.

Fern was predeceased by her husband Joe (2008), daughter Laurie Ryan (2018), and brother Orville Barsi (2006).

In 2021, Fern moved to Calgary, AB, to be closer to her family, where she lived independently in her own home until her passing. 

Fern was full of energy and always had to be doing something. She was loved by all those who knew her well and she will be dearly missed.

A Private Graveside Service will be held by the family at South Park Cemetery in Sangudo, AB, at a later date.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to South Park Cemetery, P.O. Box 144, Sangudo, AB T0E 2A0, Telephone: 780-305-4428, www.southparkcemetery.org.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Fern’s family here.

In living memory of Fern Schnurer, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.