Ferne A. Arsenault, 91, of Rumford passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 in Danvers, MA. She was born January 31,1932, in Peru, Maine, the daughter of Angie and Walter “Smitty” Smith.
Ferne graduated from Stephens High School in 1950. After graduating, she worked at the Rumford Community hospital in both the nursery and dietary departments. Ferne married her fellow classmate, Robert “Bob” Arsenault, Sr. in October of 1959 and was blessed with a loving family of four children. After having children, Ferne worked as a child care provider and head of housekeeping at Linnell Hotel and Kawanhee Inn. In her later years, she was a caretaker for the elderly. Ferne was a phenomenal cook and known for her whoopie pies and molasses cookies. After her retirement, she kept busy at her camp in Weld with her garden and flowers, in addition to caring for her grandchildren, which was her greatest joy.
Ferne was a member of The Parish of the Holy Savior, formally known as St. Athanasius St. John's Catholic Church throughout her life. She is survived her children Robert Arsenault, Jr and his wife Joan of Ipswich, MA; Walter Arsenault and his wife Joanne of Williston, VT; Amelia Fremont-Smith and her husband James of Newburyport, MA; and Mary Cole and her husband Adam of Essex Junction, VT, as well as six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, her sister Mary, and many nieces and nephews.
A private funeral is planned for the spring. Donations may be made to Care Dimensions of Danvers, Massachusetts, a hospice provider, who cared for Ferne at the end of her journey.
You may offer your condolences or share your memories at www.thibaultremembrancecenter.com
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