Fern Arlene Ney

Fern Arlene Ney (Nester), beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on June 8th, 2024. She was a resident of Mount Joy, PA for over 60 years. Born on February 22, 1936, in Albany Township, Berks County, to the late Homer and Olive Nester. She grew up with her loving sisters; Shirley Rabert, Janet Albright and Sandra Schappell with whom she shared many fond memories. Fern graduated from Kutztown State Teachers College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education in July 1957. She began her career as an elementary art teacher in the Donegal School District, where she taught 1st and 2nd grades from 1957 to 1959. Her passion for education and nurturing young minds left a lasting impact on her students. She was a devoted member of Glossbrenner United Methodist Church for over 50 years, where she taught Sunday School, Bible School and sang in the choir. Her commitment to her faith and community was evident through her various roles and her warm, welcoming spirit. In 1959, Fern married the love of her life, Jay Rodney Ney (Pete), with whom she shared 54 beautiful years of marriage until his passing on April 10, 2013. Together, they built a loving family and created a lifetime of cherished memories. Fern will be dearly missed by her three children: Erin, wife of Jeffrey Sacks; Cheri, wife of James Garrett; and Tracy, husband of Tammy Chalfant. She was a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren: Steven Sacks, Kate Sacks, Dalton Garrett, Carli Garrett, Terrance Ney, Travis Ney, Jennifer Shawley and 3 great-grandchildren: Avaeh Ney, Easton Ney, and Savannah Shawley. In addition to her roles as a devoted wife and mother, Fern was a passionate collector and seller of antiques and collectibles. She also worked part-time as a courier at Engle Printing and Publishing Co., where she made many lasting friendships. Fern had a love for music, playing the piano and accordion, and enjoyed singing in the choir. She also loved participating in Bible study groups and car shows with her 1993 Red Cadillac Coupe Deville, winning 2009 Best of Show. She delighted in dressing up for Halloween, socializing with friends at the Centerville Diner 2 and Gus’s Restaurant, as well as being a longtime member of the Joyful Ladies (Red Hatters) of Mount Joy. Her legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to family and friends will forever be cherished by all who knew her. A memorial service to celebrate Fern’s life will be held on June 15, 2024, at 11:00 am at Glossbrenner United Methodist Church, 713 Church St, Mount Joy. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 10-11 AM, with a luncheon following downstairs. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services Northeast PA, PO Box 22470, New York, NY 10087 (or call 888-557-7177) in memory of Fern Ney.

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Fern Arlene Ney

February 22, 1936 - June 8, 2024