Fern M. Furman, 89, of Walton, passed Sunday, April 17, 2011 at Countryside Care Center, surrounded by her family. Fern was born on October 9, 1921 in Franklin, the daughter of the late Douglas and Cora (Thomas) Dunshee. She married Leroy Furman on December 4, 1941 at the Walton Presbyterian Church. He died on September 16, 2003.

Fern worked at the Wallace Bag Co. for many years and will always be remembered for her generous nature. She always loved to meet new people and loved visiting with them. She enjoyed traveling with Leroy, and made many trips cross country. She also enjoyed digging up and collecting old bottles.

Fern is survived by three daughters: Betty (Wayne) Brown of Oregon; Evelyn (John) Fish of Hancock; June (John) Phoenix of Walton; one son: Doug (Joanne) Furman, Walton; two sisters: Alida Goetshius of Delhi; and Julia Gregory, Walton; five grandchildren: Rhonda (John) Terry, Vicky (Ed) Kravetsky, John (Patty) Phoenix, Jill (Chris) Marlett, and Nathaniel (Suzanne) Furman; ten great-grandchildren: Ariel, Brianne, Mikayla, and Thomas Kravetsky, Dakota and Austin Terry, Hope Phoenix, Samantha and Michael Saunders, Sawyer Furman; a special nephew: Alan Gregory; two brothers-in-law: Arthur and James Furman, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Fern was predeceased by her brother Robert, her granddaughter Nicole Van Valkenburg, and her husband, Leroy.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 12 Noon at Sidney Center Cemetery with the Reverend Bert More, officiating. Memorial contributions in Fern's memory may be made to the Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Dr., Oneonta, NY 13856.