Woodstock, Vermont

The morning of March 30, 2024, Fern Mahala Willey Kruse passed away at age 90. Her husband, Merrill Kruse, was by her side in their Woodstock, VT home. Fern was the proud and loving mother of Carolyn Colonero-Brown, and Melanie Fraser. Her grandchildren, Aryn Colonero, Zachary Fraser, and Nathan Fraser were her joy. She was delighted to be present when Carolyn married Steven Brown in June 2023. Family was important to Fern, and her husband, daughters, and grandchildren deeply felt that love.

Fern was born on July 22, 1933, into a large family in North Conway, NH. She was predeceased by all her siblings. Family gatherings with her siblings and their families were cherished times for Fern. She honored those connections by remaining in touch with her nieces and nephews on both sides of her family.

Fern's early school years were spent at Kurn Hattin with most of her siblings. She attended Springfield High School as a senior and graduated with the class of 1951. While there she played girls basketball, sparking a lifelong love of the game. Many of her friendships from Springfield High lasted late into her life.

Fern moved to Woodstock in her twenties and worked at both the White Cupboard and the Old Woodstock Inn. While working at the Woodstock Inn she met her future husband, Merrill, and they married in May 1960.

After marriage Fern embraced being a homemaker, and volunteer. Fern was an enthusiastic vegetable and flower gardener. She was happiest with her hands in the dirt, tending her plants. She loved picking fruit and berries at local farms. Fern was a wonderful home cook, famous for her lasagna and pies. Fern was also known for her baking, making cakes for gymnastic events, cupcakes for school parties, and many, many batches of cookies for the Bloodmobile.

Fern was a dedicated Red Cross blood donor, earning multiple gallons-donated pins. In honor of her grandchildren, she donated pedi-packs for babies. As a volunteer, she posted Bloodmobile notifications in storefronts and businesses across the area. Fern was a voracious reader and shared this love as a volunteer reading tutor at the Woodstock Elementary School Library. Fern sold Red Poppies to honor the military service of her loved ones and raised money to support the American Cancer Society. Fern became a Girl Scout leader when her daughters joined. Recognizing the need for Girl Scouting in Woodstock, she continued her involvement as both a troop leader and with the Swift Water Girl Scout Council. In 1990 the council honored Fern's 22 years of service with an appreciation award.

Fern worked as a housekeeper for a few special households. In each case, she became friends with, and remained close to, her employers and their families for many years.

Fern was a devoted sports fan, she enjoyed watching most any sport. However, her real love was "her" Boston Red Sox, a team she passionately and loyally supported from the age of 16. The games Fern attended at Fenway Park with friends and family were cherished memories. She also loved the Boston Celtics, a team she followed for decades with only slightly less devotion than "her" Red Sox.

Some of Fern's most precious times were spent at a table with her entire family. She loved celebrating a special day with a special meal. Family vacations were cherished, and Fern particularly enjoyed time spent by the ocean. She loved sharing time away with her grandchildren.

Fern deeply valued her family and friends. She enjoyed a conversation on the phone, at the dining table over a cup of coffee, or in a chance encounter with a friend in town. Throughout her life, she made connections and lasting friendships wherever she went. She sought to make a difference in peoples' lives. Her family looks forward to hearing your memories. A memorial visitation will be held at Cabot Funeral Home on Saturday April 20, 2024 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Private graveside services will be held at a future date.

The Cabot Funeral Home is assisting the family. An on-line guestbook can be found at cabotfh.com