FERNBERG, Nancy F. (Leary) of Laconia, NH, formerly of Dedham, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Boston on January 7, 1934 to Frank Leary and Katherine (Melia) Leary, as one of their five wonderful daughters. She was predeceased by her sisters Pat McKinnon, Connie Reddish, and Joyce Bruning, and survived by Joan Mahoney.
Nancy was the beloved wife of the late Robert Fernberg and mother of five children, Ann Abbott (Dana) of Laconia, NH, Robert Fernberg (Ann) of Plainville, Mark Fernberg (Pamela) of Fairfield, CT, John Fernberg (Judith) of Moultonborough, NH, and Paul Fernberg of Dedham. She cherished her thirteen grandchildren, Dana, Alyson, Matthew, Thomas, Lauren, Eric, Andrea, Alyssa, Carolyn, Kathryn, Gregory, Jacqueline, and Nicholas.
Nancy grew up in the Boston area, where she attended St. Rose High School and Framingham State and developed many lasting friendships. She and her sisters brought 35 precious children into this world which created bonds that will last for generations.
Nancy and Bob were married in 1955 and raised their five children in Dedham. She was the epitome of an active, supportive, and selfless mother, always encouraging her kids with their passions and pursuits, which often involved sports. She herself was an avid sports enthusiast, and enjoyed coaching softball as one of her favorite hobbies. Nancy was a woman of great faith and absolutely loved her traditions, especially the holidays. For her children it always seemed Santa was extra generous to the Fernbergs – it must have been the cookies!
Nancy was extremely creative and talented with a lifelong passion for all things arts and crafts. For a time she ran her own florist business. She was the “Martha Stewart” of our extended family, which included being the florist for many family weddings, sewing first communion dresses, making costumes for dance recitals, and creating many special gifts for family members.
Nancy was a long-time valued employee in the accounting department with Emerson-Swan, where she retired in 2002 to become a full-time grandmother.
Nancy lived her life to the fullest. She loved to travel, including international trips to Italy and Australia. Along with her younger sister Joan, she was a charter member of the “Wicky-Wackies”, a group that did many special trips together and had fun wherever they planted their flag.
We are eternally grateful for the love and support she received at St. Francis in Laconia, NH, her home for the past five years. Nancy loved to participate in arts and crafts activities and created a prayer group. She maintained special relationships with all of her family, including children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
Private funeral services will be held from the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., DEDHAM followed by a private Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Dedham on Friday, Jan 15, at 11:00am followed by interment in St Joseph’s Cemetery, West Roxbury. The Funeral Mass will be live streamed on the church website at stmarysdedham.com.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 406 Court St., Laconia, NH 03246. Please make reference to “Activity Fund”.