Fern Theresa Peppe

With hearts overflowing with gratitude, we celebrate the extraordinary life of Fern Peppe, who entered peacefully into the arms of her Lord at the age of 100 with her children at her side. Fern was born in Cambridge, Mass and raised in Presque Isle, Maine before moving to New York City with her family when she was in High School.

If you wanted to know what it looked like to live a life of faith, gratitude, joy and love, you only had to know Fern. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Every morning began with prayer and the rosary she faithfully prayed each day. She spoke often of God's goodness and the comfort of angels and saints. But more importantly, she lived her faith. She welcomed everyone with kindness, encouraged those who were discouraged, forgave easily, laughed often, and never missed an opportunity to remind someone they were loved. She believed every day was a gift from God, every person was worthy of love, and gratitude was her secret to a joyful life.

Above everything else, Fern loved her family. They were her greatest blessing, her proudest accomplishment, and the center of her heart. She poured herself into every generation, celebrating every milestone, every new baby, every gathering around the table, and every chance simply to be together.

Fern was preceded in death by her beloved husband Mickey, her parents, Fern and Rufus Bishop, and her brother, Arthur Bishop.

She leaves behind her devoted daughter, Michele, and the world's best son-in-law, Chip; her loving son, Joseph, and daughter-in-law, Wendy; her cherished grandchildren David, Bobby, Rocky, Sofia, and Sandro; five bonus granddaughters whom she loved as her own, Angie, Krista, Meagan, Joscelyn and Toni; sixteen treasured great-grandchildren; and one precious great-great-grandson, whom she was especially thankful God allowed her to meet this past April. She is also lovingly remembered by her many adoring nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

To know Fern was to feel special. She often said she was so lucky to have so many "best friends." The truth is, everyone wanted to be Fern's best friend. She had a remarkable gift for making every person feel seen, valued, and deeply loved. Each friendship was genuine, each one treasured, and every life she touched was better because of her. We would be remiss not to mention the friendships she made at Discovery Village. She was so grateful to spend the final years of her journey at their independent facility in Naples. She often said, “God saved the best for last!”

Fern believed life was meant to be lived with curiosity and wonder. She traveled throughout Europe many times, spent an unforgettable summer living in a casita in Mexico, cruised to Alaska three times, journeyed through the Panama Canal, and explored America's magnificent National Parks by bus throughout the West. Adventure never frightened her—it energized her. Even at an age when many people slow down, Fern continued to embrace life with enthusiasm. She worked full-time until she was nearly 86 years old. A successful interior decorator, she graduated from NYU School of Interior Design. She was awarded Top Salesperson month after month for many years at the Naples store where she sold furniture for a national chain, and was even #1 in the nation in 1994! Clients who bought furniture from her 50+ years ago still remember her!

She celebrated her 85th birthday by going skydiving. If there was a roller coaster nearby, she wanted to ride it. She proved, time and again, that growing older never meant growing old.

She was an extraordinary cook whose meals brought people together, a masterful floral arranger, an avid reader whose curiosity never faded, and an enthusiastic game player; she enjoyed countless games of cards, Scrabble and Rummikub. She was an impeccable dresser who never left home without her lipstick on and perfect accessories. Perhaps nothing made her happier than a simple drive through the countryside. She loved watching the landscape roll by, searching for shapes in the clouds, marveling at God's handiwork, and reminding everyone in the car to notice the beauty all around them. She found wonder in ordinary moments and taught others to do the same.

Her gratitude was contagious. Fern rarely complained. Instead, she chose thankfulness. She believed that being happy wasn't something you waited for—it was something you practiced. She taught those around her that life's greatest treasures weren't things, but faith, family, friendship, laughter, and love. She will remain an inspiration and role model for years to come.

Her 100th birthday became exactly what she wanted it to be—a true Celebration of Life. Surrounded by generations of family and friends, she looked around the room overflowing with love and gratitude, smiled her unforgettable smile, and said, "Wow.....what a life I've had! Who gets to attend their own funeral?" It was classic Fern. Even in that moment, she made everyone laugh.

Fern requested that there be no formal funeral service. A private graveside ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Avow Hospice in Naples, Florida. AvowCares.org

If Fern could leave each of us with one final piece of advice, which she gave her children often, it would be the simple words she lived by: "Whether you are happy or sad, just put on the music and dance."

Fern didn't simply live for one hundred years. She filled one hundred years with faith. With adventure. With gratitude. With laughter. With friendship. With family. With unconditional love…and because she did, the world is kinder, brighter, and more joyful for everyone who had the blessing of crossing her path.

We imagine her now with rosary in hand, welcomed by the angels she loved to talk about, reunited with those who went before her, and hearing the words she spent a lifetime striving to hear: "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23)