IRENE ETHEL FERNQUIST

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IRENE ETHEL FERNQUIST December 8, 1914 - December 15, 2008 Irene (Hammond) Fernquist of Medicine Hat, Alberta, passed into the presence of the Lord on the evening of Monday, December 15, 2008 at the age of 94 years with her daughter at her side. Irene leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Mary (Peter) Barr of Elk Grove Village, Illinois; three granddaughters, Laura (Daniel) Swanson, Linda (Erick) Luna, and Linnea Barr; four great-grandchildren, Anna and Benjamin Swanson, Addison and Brooklyn Luna; three brothers, Ernest (Hulda) Hammond, Harley (Louise) Hammond, and Marc Hammond; one brother-in-law, Ernie Klassen; one sister-in-law, Lillian Hammond; as well as many nieces and nephews. Irene was predeceased by her husband, Ralph on January 1, 1997; one brother, Robert Hammond; three sisters, Erma Klassen, Doris (John) Elhard, and Naomi (Robert) Bourke; and one sister-in-law, Josie Hammond. Irene was born in Altorado, Alberta, the eldest child of Arthur and Sarah Hammond. The family lived in various places in Alberta and Saskatchewan, finally settling on a homestead in the Stone District north of Climax, Saskatchewan. Upon completion of Grade 12, Irene attended Normal School in Regina where she received her teaching certificate. She returned to the Stone District to teach school and had many stories about the one-room schoolhouse and the challenges that went along with the responsibility. She loved to learn and gain understanding collecting many books which helped her in this quest. Irene later taught at the Creston District where she met her future husband, Ralph Fernquist. Irene and Ralph were married on August 17, 1940 in Medicine Hat. They lived in a number of places eventually settling in Regina, where their only child, Mary, was born. They were charter members in Argyle Road Baptist Church where they served in many capacities. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1966 where they lived for 20 years. During this time, Irene did substitute teaching in the local school district. She was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church and was involved in a number of ministries there. Irene had a deep interest in foreign missions and encouraged many through her letter writing. In 1986, Irene and Ralph moved to Medicine Hat to be closer to family. They had many good years taking special trips and visiting family. During this time, they attended the Alliance Church and were active in the seniors ministry. Irene enjoyed a full, active life. She took many trips to Illinois to visit her daughter and family. Most recently, Irene attended a Hammond family reunion in Elkwater, Alberta. She lived a life of faithful service to the Lord which was a testimony to many. In the last few months, her health failed and she was called Home to glory. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, on Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Friday from 1:00 to 1:55 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held in Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel on Friday, December 19th at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Wade Hammond officiating. Interment will follow in the Family Plot at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery, Medicine Hat. As an expression of sympathy those wishing to remember Mrs. Irene Fernquist may do so with a gift to the Millar College of the Bible, Box 25, Pambrun, Saskatchewan, S0N 1W0, or to the Canadian Bible Society, 10 Carnforth Road, Toronto, Ontario, M4A 2S4. Expressions of sympathy can be e-mailed to saamisfc@telusplanet.net subject-heading Irene Fernquist or through: www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca Funeral arrangements are entrusted to: SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL and CREMATORIUM The Chapel in the Park Medicine Hat, Alberta. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone 1-800-317-2647.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 18, 2008