FERN RAMONA LUVERNE ROYDS (FREDETTE) (MUSCHIK)

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FERN RAMONA LUVERNE ROYDS (FREDETTE) (nee MUSCHIK) Fern was born on July 21, 1928 (parents Percy and Maria Muschik (nee Haavisto), deceased) and passed away peacefully on September 18, 2015 at 87 years young in Winnipeg, MB. She will be deeply missed by her son Darcy Fredette, daughter Dalyce Percy (Derwyn), granddaughter Melissa Hoft (Daniel), and grandson Dustin Hoft (Giulia). She was predeceased by her husbands, Paul Fredette and Homer Royds, her brother Cyril Muschik (Muriel), and her son Blake Fredette. Fern (my grandmother) was quite an accomplished woman. It is an honour to share her life story. Fern attended Montcalm School, Hugh John MacDonald School and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute. She volunteered in providing entertainment for members of the Armed Forces under the auspices of the Canadian Legion War Service Artists during the Second World War (1939 to 1945). She danced at the Beacon Theatre Vaudeville shows as well as the Metropolitan, Capital, Walker and Dominion Theatres. She even modeled at the School of Art in Winnipeg under the direction of LeMoine FitzGerald (Group of Seven). Fern was employed at the Hudson's Bay Company, she was an office manager for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra for 12 years, she was an executive assistant and coordinator for the Gala concert at Carnegie Hall in New York with maestro Piero Gamba who conducted the Winnipeg Symphony (1979), she was an office manager for the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, and she was an executive assistant to Head of Surgery at the Health Sciences Centre/Univeristy of Manitoba, including the office of the President of Health Sciences Centre. My grandma has accomplished so many impressive things in her life - more than I can even write here. And yet, for someone so accomplished, she was so proud of her family's accomplishments and never missed an opportunity to brag about them. Well Grandma... it's time I get to brag about you! You were such a strong support system for your whole family and a simple thank you' doesn't even do justice for the things you have given us throughout the years. Grandma - you may not realize this - but YOU were my inspiration. Your life, by example, taught me to reach for the stars, to stay strong when times are tough, to live each day as if it were my last, and most importantly - to never give up. I am so honoured to have had you as my grandmother and I will be forever grateful for all the wonderful memories we have shared. Goodnight, Grandma. Love you! "Ditto!" Xoxo Melissa and family. In keeping with Fern's wishes, the last time you saw her in life, will have been your final viewing. Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 25, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Ave. A reception will follow at the Manitoba Eastern Star Chalet, 525 Cathcart St. Friends and relatives are welcome to attend. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Fern's memory to the charity of choice. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 23, 2015