Fernande "Fern" Watne

Fernande F. Watne, our beloved mother, passed away on July 25, 2017. She was born to Henri and Louise Therrien on June 20, 1921 in St. Julienne Quebec Canada. Her family moved to Willimantic, CT when she was twelve years old, finding jobs at American Thread. It was here that she met her husband Woodrow to whom she was married to for over forty years until his death in 1995. He said when he met mom it was like seeing the sun shine. Mom was a homemaker until moving into her present house that she has resided in for almost 50 years. Fern started working at the Faculty Alumni Center in Uconn when it opened and stayed until it closed. She made many friends, young and old, met celebrities, politicians and people from all walks of life. She held her own with them, but also had a lot of fun. As petite as she was she could be tough when needed, as she proved having beat breast cancer at the age of 42. Fern wasn't crazy about it, but went with Woodrow when he decided to take up motorcycling. When he gave that up for camping she was much more in her element, camping being a motorhome with all the luxuries, not a tent. They spent many years traveling the country, from New Hampshire, to Florida, to Death Valley. She had a green thumb when it came to houseplants and she made the best potato salad ever. Later on she spent many mornings going to breakfast with her sister and then shopping or running errands. Fern loved to dance polkas, sing and take walks, which she was still doing up until recently. She looked forward to going to Prince of Peace Church every Sunday. Fern was a member of the Coventry Seniors and faithfully exercised with them every week. Along with her husband Woodrow, she was predeceased by her sister Madeline. Fern leaves behind her son Richard and his wife Harriet of Coventry, her daughter Denise of North Windham, her daughter Darlene and husband Stephen of Windham, and her sister Theresa and husband Herb of Coventry. Also six grandchildren Tim, Holly and Ryan Dolan, Natalie St. Germain, Matt and Abby Watne. Two great granddaughters Mina Ishiwari and Julia Watne. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at St. Joseph Living Center for the care and love Fern received. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Fern's Memory to, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 10 N. River Rd., Coventry, CT 06238 or St. Joseph Living Center, 14 Club Rd., Windham, CT 06280. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic. The family will receive friends and relatives one hour prior at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Coventry Cemetery on Memorial Drive. Visitation Details Saturday, July 29th, 2017, 10:00am - 11:00am, Potter Funeral Home Service Details Saturday, July 29th, 2017, 11:00am, Potter Funeral Home Interment Details Coventry Cemetery