It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Ferne Baysarowich. Ferne passed away peacefully surrounded by her daughters and family by her side on January 2, 2026 in Fort McMurray Alberta, Willow Square Continuing Health Care Unit.

Ferne was born in Port Arthur, Ontario on June 19, 1948 to William and Cathern Hickin. She lived in Port Arthur and Fort William for her teenage years, graduating from Lakeview High. Over the years she worked as a secretary and in the hospital x-ray department in Thunder Bay. At the age of 20 she met the love of her life Alex Baysarowich. After 6 short weeks of meeting they were engaged and 6 months later married on June 21, 1969. They moved to Pickle Lake where they had their first daughter Cathlena in 1977. They moved to Fort McMurray 3 years later and had their second daughter Jennifer in 1980.

Ferne was a devoted stay at home wife and mother. She spent many hours volunteering at her daughters school and with St. John Ambulance. She opened a ceramic shop in the early 90's where she spent countless hours painting her ceramics. She was very talented and her home was filled with her creations and we hold on to them dearly. Her home was the hub for all to gather. Everyone was welcome. She was always found sitting at the kitchen table with a dog or two on her lap drinking her coffee. The house was always filled with food and laughter. Through the years she had many "adopted" children living with her and always visiting well into the night. Not a morning person but if you needed somewhere to go the door was always open.

Ferne is survived by her loving daughters Cathlena Stuckey (Brent), Jennifer Baysarowich and her three amazing grandsons Cohen, Andrew and Matthew. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Countless "adopted children" especially Melissa Cross, Lindsay Brown, Jennifer Weber and Dinah MacKenzie.

Ferne is predeceased by her parents William Andrew Hickin and her Mother Cathern Anne Hickin. Her brother Albert (Buddy) Hickin and her soulmate her husband Alex Baysarowich. Her closest friends and cousins Linda Nielsen and Uta Hickin as well as numerous cousins, Aunts, Uncles and Friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 17, 2026 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 165. 9317 Huggard Street from 5-8pm.

Please come and share your stories about her to heal our hearts.