Obituary of Fern Riess
FERN BERNADETTE RIESS, of Grayson, SK. slipped away peacefully at Regina General Hospital on the morning of Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 at the age of 70 after a 30-year battle with Lupus.
Fern is survived by her loving husband, Patrick Riess, and their two children; Kerry Riess and Kara (Craig) Rowan and grandson Will Rowan. Fern also leaves her two brothers Gordon (Elaine) Green and Russell (Evelyn) Green and numerous nieces, nephews and close friends. Fern is preceded in death by her mother Evelyn (2007) and Frank Green (1977).
Fern was born on April 20th, 1952 to Evelyn and Frank Green in Esterhazy Saskatchewan. In 1961 Fern moved to Grayson, Saskatchewan where she later met her heartmate, Patrick Riess at a dance at Cecelia Hall. Fern married Patrick Riess on October 10, 1970 at St. Mary’s church in Grayson, Saskatchewan.
Fern’s parents were instrumental in her love of nature and all creatures. Her favorite season was spring, where she and her family regularly went for Sunday drives to see what species had returned after a long winter. Fern and Patrick had an affinity for all species and continued to build a beautiful farm oasis in Grayson, SK. over the next 52 years.
Living on the farm, Fern found beauty in everything around her and was often found photographing nature in their coulee, biking the backroads on her green bicycle and camping at Greenspot on Crooked lake. In winter, she encouraged her family to take up downhill skiing, which were some of her fondest memories with her family. Skiing at Ochapowace Ski Resort and family ski vacations to Banff, added to the adventure. Fern also enjoyed cross-country skiing in the moonlight through the coulees and the backroads, taking in the peacefulness of the evening and seeing the stars twinkle.
Fern was able to put her love of nature on canvas and incorporated this into her artwork and photography throughout her life. She was a very talented artist and participated in numerous art shows in Yorkton and Regina, SK. as well as teaching art classes in the area. Her talents didn’t stop with photography and artwork, she was also an amazing seamstress who sewed the most beautiful gowns and dresses. One of Fern’s favorite holidays was Halloween where she spent months in advance sewing the perfect costumes for her children, her husband, and friends.
At the age of 38, Fern noticed something odd with her health, and 6 years later was officially diagnosed with Lupus. Although Fern’s body often failed her, she was tirelessly optimistic and unflappable.
She found comfort and peace on the farm with her husband and was often found with a cup of coffee in her hand, on the couch with her husband and kitties, & talking endlessly with one-another. In summer, she could be found baking in the kitchen, tending to her beautiful garden, or sitting on her deck, surrounded by her flowers, hummingbirds, and purple martins.
In accordance with Fern’s wishes, a private family Celebration of Life will follow at a later date.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude for the compassionate care given to Fern by the dialysis medical staff at the Regina General Hospital and the Yorkton Regional Health Center, doctors and medical staff at the St. Peter’s Hospital (Melville, SK) and her Nephrology Specialist Dr. M.H. Abdulhadi (Regina, SK) who supported her over her journey the last 30 years. Friends so wishing may make donations in her name to the Nature Conservancy of Canada or the Regina Humane Society.
Funeral and crematorium arrangements were entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral Home, Melville, Saskatchewan.
