Fern Lorena Derning

Mrs. Fern Lorena Derning (née Ailsworth), of Winnetka, IL, 97, passed away quietly on Thursday, December 17, 2020.

Fern was born to parents Earl and Frances (Gould) Ailsworth on April 5, 1923 in Chicago, IL. She was a 1940 graduate of Schurz High School and worked for an electric company following graduation. A beautiful 57-year marriage began June 15, 1946 to her beloved husband, Don R. Derning, who preceded her in death in 2004.

Fern was a homemaker, a loving mother to four children, and a true friend and partner. She and her husband made their home and raised their children in Winnetka, IL. She was actively involved in her community, particularly with the Winnetka Women’s Club and the annual rummage sale. She enjoyed family road trips, summers at Bass Lake (IN), and traveling around the world. She was an avid crafter, loved to read cookbooks, and collected owls over-provided by her loving family. She enjoyed playing games with relatives and friends, particularly Scrabble (she was a shark) and bridge. She was a member of Winnetka Congregational Church. In her later years, she moved to Covenant Village in Northbrook, IL, and made many friends there. “The Lovely Fern”, as she was referred to by her grandchildren, was a kind, sweet woman with a beautiful smile who made the world a better place and will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her children Denise (Paul) Smith, Portland, ME; April Delancy, West Lafayette, IN; Dayle (Bill) Nervig, Omaha, NE; Don Derning Jr., Wheeling, IL; twelve grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Along with her husband Don, her parents and her sister, Jean Belfield, preceded her in death. 

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Bass Lake Property Owners Association PO Box 261 Knox, IN 46534