After a full and vibrant life, Fernelle June Fjerwold (née Millard) passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the age of 89, at the Dr. Gerald Zetter Care Centre, with her beloved husband Larry by her side.
Fernelle was born on July 4, 1936, to Otis and Betty Millard in Canwood, Saskatchewan, where she was raised alongside her younger brother, Neil, in a close-knit community of family and friends. From an early age, she was driven, independent, and full of energy, qualities that would define her throughout her life. Raised in a family active in the church, Fernelle carried her faith into adulthood, where it shaped her compassion, service to others, and strong sense of community.
She pursued nursing at the Victoria Union Hospital School of Nursing, where she earned her Registered Nurse designation, ranking at the top of her class. She also attended the University of Saskatchewan, earning her advanced diploma in nursing. Education remained integral to Fernelle, and she went on to earn her Bachelor of Education degree with distinction and later completed her Master’s degree at the University of Alberta.
Fernelle devoted her decades-long career to nursing education and healthcare leadership in Alberta. Through her work in curriculum development, training, and program leadership, she helped shape generations of healthcare professionals. She concluded her career developing curriculum for the Nursing Assistant program at NorQuest College, reflecting her lifelong commitment to education and high-quality patient care.
A nurse and educator to her core, Fernelle never truly stopped teaching. Even in her later years, she naturally slipped into nurse and instructor mode. The family is deeply grateful to the staff at the Dr. Gerald Zetter Care Centre, whose compassionate and attentive care met and exceeded Fernelle’s high standards.
Fernelle’s story was always intertwined with that of her husband, Larry Fjerwold of Cookson, Saskatchewan. The two had known each other since childhood and, as the family likes to say, Fernelle had her sights set on Larry long before he fully realized it himself. They were married in August of 1960 and made their home in Edmonton, where they built a life filled with love, partnership, and shared adventure. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary together in 2025, a testament to a marriage rooted in deep friendship, mutual respect, and a lifetime of standing hand in hand.
Family was always at the heart of Fernelle’s world. Larry and Fernelle welcomed their daughters, Lori Lynne in 1961 and Lisa Jo Anne in 1966. The family shared many adventures, including travels in the Woody Wagon and many cherished summers at Clear Lake.
Beginning in 1972, summers at their cottage became a treasured tradition not only for their immediate family but also for extended family and friends. The lake became a gathering place for generations, a place of laughter, connection, and lifelong memories that reflected Fernelle’s gift for bringing people together.
Fernelle and Larry took great joy in watching their family grow. Lori married Edward (Ted) John Boomer, and Lisa married Todd David Sande, matches that Fernelle took great pride in, having always believed she had a talent for picking just the right partners for her girls. Fernelle was a proud and devoted grandmother to Keanan Harris (Emily) Boomer, Steele Alexander (Jessica) Boomer, Taite Edward Boomer, who passed in 2012, Elizabeth Anne Sande, and David Fjerwold Sande. Her joyful squeals of excitement were heard from miles away with the arrival of each great-grandchild, Freya Fjerwold Sande, Colbie Taite Boomer, Sydney James Boomer, and Collins Fernelle Boomer.
Fernelle will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her fierce independence, her dedication to caring for others, and the deep love she held for her family and community. Her warmth, laughter, and unmistakable presence will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Service Information
A celebration of Fernelle’s life will be held at:
St. Paul’s United Church
11526 76 Ave NW, Edmonton
Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 3:00 pm with a reception to follow
Parking is limited. A virtual option will be available. Please contact sande.e@icloud.com for details.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fernelle’s memory to the Taite Boomer Memorial Brain Tumor Foundation or to a charity of one’s choice.
Sorry Larry, to hear about Fernelle . I am a relative on the Odegaard side and my Dad had a store close to Larry Dad’s store and home. But I remember Fernelle’s stories about my Great Aunt Anna Lidstrom. This would be on my mother’s side. The Millards lived next to my Aunt known in Canwood and area as Nurse Lidstrom who was a midwife. Her Dad Otis was often asked to provide transportation for Nurse Lidstrom who was also called upon to fix some minor accidents such as cuts or illness. It is nice to know we had so many connections. Maybe my aunt had some influence on Fernelle’s choice of career. Condolences to all the family.
Larry and family~ I’m so sorry for your loss. Fernelle was an amazing lady, and I feel privileged to have known her. She was beautiful inside and out. I will treasure the times we shared together organizing “Women’s Day Out” at St Paul’s . She made a difference!
Fernelle was a lovely woman and an inspiration to so many others. I have fond memories of working with her on numerous campaigns. Larry, so sorry for your loss my thoughts are with you and your family.
We are saddened to hear of Fernelle’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your families.
It was a pleasure knowing you, you always made me feel special .
And I believe you had that effect on everyone you met .
You were the definition of joyful .
Glad to have know you .
Fern was a very special and dear friend to Mark and I. We loved her vibrant soul and her accepting spirit. Our lives are better having known her.
Larry, Lisa, Lori and families have our deepest condolences and much love.
The world is a better place because of Fernelle and her “red” spirit