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Another long time Tugger is gone

As with everyone else, I'm saddened and shocked. God bless and keep our dear friend Fern.
 
I am so very sad to have to post this. Fern Modena passed away suddenly today. Fern was on TUG from it's early days and at one time the Tug Lounge was called Fern's Cafe (or was it lounge). When I was in Vegas in Nov, a few other Tuggers and I had lunch with Fern. She had several health problems in recent years but her death was unexpected.

Fern was sometimes abrasive on TUG but she was always very nice and kind to me. She is now with her beloved Jerry.

May she rest in peace. :bawl:

Very sorry to hear this sad news. I never met Fern but back in the days before TUG I searched the internet for timeshare information and stumbled onto Fern's Cafe. I knew nothing and learned so much during my first couple of months from Fern. She always provided great information and I enjoyed reading all of her informative posts.

Just recently I was thinking that the next time I go to Vegas I was going to contact Fern and get together to thank her for all I learned from her when I was a newbie.

RIP
 
What a shame! Fern was so instrumental in helping literally thousands of TS owners/would-be owners who sought advice. I first starting following her posts back in the early 90's, when she was called The Timeshare Guru, and then when she became a part of TUG's Fern's Café.

We had the pleasure of meeting her twice in Las Vegas, having lunch with her at the South Point.

RIP, Fern. You will be missed.

Dori
 
So sorry to hear the news. I was just reading some of Fern's posts over the weekend. There are a few TUGgers that I recognize right away by their "names", and Fern was one of them. Always enjoyed her posts. I will miss her presence on TUG. RIP, Fern.

Deb
 
When I read Pat's post I thought, "Oh no, not Fern!" I really liked her no-nonsense style and learned a lot from her posts. I wish I'd thanked her for being so helpful while she was here. God Bless You, Fern.
 
Fern was one spunky lady! Never met each other, but used to enjoy our Sunday Night Chat Room sessions. She had a sense of style and humor that will be missed on TUG. May she rest in peace.
Silentg
 
I'm sorry to read this. I am glad she is able to reunite with her husband. I will miss her posts here.
 
I never met Fern, but always appreciated her timeshare knowledge and her willingness to share it. Being a fan of direct and to the point expression, I always enjoyed that aspect of her input and communications too.

It seems strange to feel a genuine sense of loss when it's someone you have "known" only in the context of cyberspace, but I somehow feel that sense of loss now nonetheless, just as I felt when Ken Khouri and John Chase (neither of whom I ever met in person) passed on in recent years. TUG is something of a "community".

God Bless her --- and may she rest in peace.
 
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Very sad news. Thank you for letting us know, Pat.
 
Fern's posts were always informative and entertaining. I remember reading about her regular trips to Mexico as well as her experience as a transit employee before she retired.

In the world of consumer research, there's a term "early adopters" used for those who are pioneers in trying new things. They tend to be experimenters and willing to move things ahead. With her early role on bringing timeshare discussions to Prodigy before many people even knew what the Internet was, I figured she was one of those leaders, and admired her for that. Her interest in technology and willingness to try new things continued, based on topics in recent posts.

i'll miss her expertise and interesting perspective.
 
Reading this thread is a great reflection on a good and caring woman. I join in this praise and good thoughts regarding her posts here on TUG ... a member of this community who is very well remembered.

RIP ... you will be remembered and missed.
 
I have met Fern on several occasions and happy to call her a friend. RIP, Fern.
 
Rest in peace Fern. You will be missed.
 
Yes, her passing was very sudden. Her sister went to wake her and found that she had died during the night.
 
I'm so sorry to hear this but I do appreciate your letting us know. Fern was a rock star.
 
Very sorry to hear this news. I have been reading her posts here for years and feel like I knew her.
 
Fern gave me advice on 55+ communities in Las Vegas. She invited my wife and I to visit Sun City Anthem, she'd show us around. We didn't make it there yet, very sad we didn't get a chance to meet her in person. I could tell she was a caring person. Enjoyed her posts and her advice. Fern RIP.
 
Fern's posts were always on point and interesting. She'll be missed!


Sent from my iPad
 
A loss to our Community....
 
I'm so sorry to hear of Fern's passing. She definitely will be missed here on TUG and by many friends & loved ones. Her posts were helpful and she was always willing to give advice about visiting Las Vegas. I wish I could have met her in person and gotten to know her better.

Thanks for sharing the news, Pat.
 
Grateful We Got To Meet Her In Las Vegs 1 Time.

I wish I could have met her in person and gotten to know her better.
Fern met us for buffet lunch at South Point Hotel-Casino the 1st time we stayed at Grandview At Las Vegas, which is right next door to South Point.

Getting to spend a little time with Fern was a memorable highlight of the trip.

Even though we only knew each other via TUG-BBS, meeting in person was like reuniting with an old friend.

I'm sorry she is gone. May she rest in peace.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​
 
RIP Fern!
So sad to hear of her passing, but I am glad to have the opportunity of meeting her at the NoCal TUG gathering many years ago.
 
I'm so sorry to read this. When I posted about Mary Joan's blood clot problems Fern PM'd me with advice, encouragement, and an offer to help. I will miss her.
 
Fern The Friend

I am so very sad to have to post this. Fern Modena passed away suddenly today. Fern was on TUG from it's early days and at one time the Tug Lounge was called Fern's Cafe (or was it lounge). When I was in Vegas in Nov, a few other Tuggers and I had lunch with Fern. She had several health problems in recent years but her death was unexpected.

Fern was sometimes abrasive on TUG but she was always very nice and kind to me. She is now with her beloved Jerry.

May she rest in peace. :bawl:
I never met Fern but felt much friendship with her. She was willing to help,advise,share with almost anyone that communicated with her.
Several years ago I asked her a question and she offered to take her time to meet with my wife and myself and give us local information. We never did get to connect because of appointments,etc. Now I really wish we could have because she always seemed so giving to the timeshare community.
Lastly I'll just say she was very much appreciated by me.
Bart Gach
 
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