Fern Sandoval was born on October 3, 1937 in Denver, Colorado. She grew up on the family ranch in Turkey Creek, Colorado. Fern received her primary education in Turkey Creek and Gardner. She graduated from Huerfano County High school in Walsenburg in 1955. She married Esador 'Pet' Sandoval later that year in Raton, NM. They resided in Walsenburg, where they raised 4 children: Cecily, Anthony, Mario and Terence. She began her career at the Walsenburg Care center in 1966, as a nurse aide. Over 44 years, she performed many duties and received several promotions. She served as Chairperson of the Walsenburg Chapter of the annual Alzheimer's memory Walk for 20 years and was also a member of the Walsenburg Chamber of Commerce. By the time she retired in 2010, Fern was the facility's Administrator. Fern's passion was traveling the world. She journeyed to many countries throughout 6 of the 7 continents. Her favorite trips were to Italy, her father's homeland. She also visited most of the continental United States, as well as Hawaii and Alaska. The remaining continent on her bucket list was Antarctica. She was a Denver Bronco fan and season ticket holder, since 1997,and attended many home games. She also had a love for concerts, theater and the arts. She had a special place in her heart for wildlife and domestic animals, and her beloved pets. After retirement, Fern continued to travel internationally and domestically, including several missionary trips. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary. Whenever she was able to do so, she joined friends for lunch and fellowship at the Senior Center and participated in prayer group. she especially enjoyed keeping up with lives and accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and godchildren.On February 25, 2019, Fern passed away peacefully in Thornton, Colorado, surrounded by her loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Marie Bucci, her sisters Carrie Valdez and Josephine Howard, her brothers Napoleon, Alonzo, Walter and Johnny, her loving husband 'Pet', and 3 godchildren. She is survived by her daughter Cecily (Mark) Vigil, sons Tony (Tammy) Sandoval, Mario (Dee) Sandoval and Terry (Pauline) Sandoval; 11 grandchildren: Felicia, Delilah, Mark, Christopher, Anthony Jr, Melissa, Susan, Lauren, Terence, Adam and Jeremy; 13 great-grandchildren: Liliana, Jessica, Emilee, Mason, Elias, Louis, Jason, Ashley, Braeden, Gaby, Natalia, Layla, Myla, Lauren, Karlee, Rylee, Jason and soon-to-be "Baby P": godchildren Bernadette, Crystal and Melissa; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. She will be remembered with affection and admiration. The matriarch of her family, Fern leaves behind a legacy of life well lived. She will remain very much alive in the memories of all those who loved, respected and treasured her.