Obituary of Fern Joyce Reale

Fern Joyce (Peterson) Reale Age: 86, Vineland NJ Fern Joyce (Peterson) Reale went to be with the Lord on the morning of Wednesday, May 4th, 2016 passing away peacefully surrounded by her family, after an extended illness. She will be sadly missed by her loving husband of 64 years, Anthony, and her adoring son, Randall, as well as by her sister Lois McKishen, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters Margaret Gorman and Vila Coleman Crain. Fern was born to Margaret and Paul Peterson near Monroeville, NJ in 1929 and spent her early years living in Elmer, Wenonah and Pitman, before graduating from Clayton High School in 1948. After marrying in 1952, she settled in Vineland where she worked for several years making high quality scientific glassware for Kimble Glass. A few years after the birth of her son, she went to work for the Vineland Board of Education, where she spent over 40 years working in both office and classroom roles at Oak &Main, Fels, Reber, Cunningham and Petway Schools. Fern could not have been a more loving or caring mother and wife, and spent a great deal of her time making a happy home for her family. She enjoyed looking around antique and consignment shops for little treasures, was an avid reader and also enjoyed watching British dramas and mini-series. Throughout her life she was a great lover of animals and almost always had a pet, often taking in strays, including dogs, cats and even a duck when she was a child. She got great pleasure watching the wild animals in her yard and feeding the wild birds year-round. Fern also enjoyed visiting gardens, as well as the many flowers and plants in her own yard. Friends may greet the family on Tuesday after 9am in the Kelley Funeral Home, 125 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ. Funeral service will be at 11am. Interment Eglington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you make a contribution to an animal shelter of your choice or consider planting a tree in her memory, either in your own yard or through the Arbor Day Foundation.