LuGene Fern

LuGene “Genie” Fern New, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 72. She waited to be surrounded by loved ones before returning home to our Father in Heaven on May 11, 2020.

Genie was born October 13, 1947 to Harry and Ruth Fern in Logan, Utah. She had fond memories of her time in Cache Valley and enjoyed sharing stories about her youthful adventures. She adored her Grandma and Grandpa Bair and established a deep commitment to family at an early age. When she was ten, her family moved to the Salt Lake valley where she developed a lifelong friendship with her next-door neighbor Marsha Hutchinson Branan. The two crystallized their best friend status when they became next-door neighbors as adults— sharing ups, downs, journeys, and secrets for decades.

After studying English at Utah State University, Genie married Chester Bob New on January 20, 1967 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised three children: Darren, Shawnee, and Kori. Genie was an exceptionally devoted mother and spent countless hours helping her children succeed in education and extracurricular activities. Bob and LuGene were also shelter care providers and happily fostered a fourth child, Heidi (Haskell) Johnson. Later in life, grandchildren became Genie's pride and joy. Another baby, her dog Bandit, stole her heart and brought delight to her in the declining years.

Genie boasted numerous talents and abilities. She was a masterful cook with incredible culinary skills. Her big pans of lasagna, Thanksgiving dressing, and chocolate cakes were some of her most acclaimed dishes. She was an accomplished seamstress, known for her pin cushion dolls that she sold at multiple venues including Mormon Handicraft. She also constructed trampolines with an industrial sewing machine for many years. Always a conscientious gift giver and card writer, she demonstrated care with thoughtful handwritten notes. Perhaps most of all, though, were her gifts of kindness and selflessness, dedicating herself to lifelong service and discipleship.

She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Willingly and regularly, she shared her testimony, home, and resources for good causes. She fulfilled various church callings throughout the years, notably serving successively as Primary President and then as Relief Society President. She completed a service mission for the Bishop’s Storehouse and enjoyed all the knowledge and friends she gained during that time. She was an exemplar of compassion, giving of herself daily in meaningful ways.

She is survived by her husband Bob; brother Randall Fern; sister Peggie Fern; children Darren New, Shawnee Fischer Christensen (Kirk), Kori Wakamatsu (Josh), Heidi Johnson (Greg); and grandchildren: Jordon, Konnor, Kassidy, Shaylei, Jacob, Jayden, Kaylei, Ken, Miki, and Kaya. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Shirlene Goodman;and son-in-law Scot Fischer.

Private family services will be held. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park. A celebration of life memorial will be announced at a later date.