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16/09/2018 - Boise, ID, EEUU

Catherine "Fern" Lynskey, 100, of Boise, Idaho, passed away on September 16, 2018. 

She was born November 19, 1917, at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise, to Ethel McColm Carter and Dade Carter, the oldest of four children. She attended Lowell and Boise High Schools while living on a small farm near North 26th and Hill Road.

Fern was tasked with the job of helping her father cut wood, bring in the coal, feed the animals and work outside much of the time during her childhood. She loved animals and always had at least one dog throughout her life.

Fern met John Barriatua, a handsome Basque sheepherder from Murphy, Idaho, at a dance and fell in love. They were married in 1934 and together raised three children, John Jr., Linda, and Michael in the home that they built together. 

Fern was a devout Catholic, and one of her and John's goals were accomplished by seeing all three children complete their elementary and high school educations at St. Joseph's, St. Teresa's Academy and Bishop Kelly. 

She was instrumental in introducing her children to the local Basque culture and as a family attended dance classes, picnics and many other festivities. 

She especially enjoyed participating in the Altar Society and as a young mother, attending the neighborhood Arts and Crafts Guild learning to sew, crochet and do quilting.

In 1954, Fern began working for the Boise School District as a custodian and retired from Borah High School in 1970.

She was a long standing member and officer in the Women's Auxiliary Fleet Reserve, the VFW, and member/volunteer at the Old Soldier's Home. She continued to actively participate into her early 90's.

Her beloved husband John preceded her in death in 1969, and she married Clive Lynskey in 1970. He passed away in 1985. She is also preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marie, and brother-in-law, Ross Webb; brother, Bud Carter and sister-in-law, Edna; nephews: Greg and Brad Carter, and brother-in-law, Jack Bledsoe.

Fern is survived by her youngest sister, Colleen Bledsoe; son, John Barriatua Jr. (Diana); daughter, Linda Guiles (Curt); son, Michael (Myrna); grandchildren: Diana, Debra, Tony, Curt, Carmen and AnaMarie. Great grandchildren: Cassandra, Ian, Megan, Alexandra, Curt, Bennett, Elliott, and Isabel.

Mom's devotion to her faith, family, and friends is treasured, and we will miss deeply the happy family get-togethers, her unwavering support, strength through all trials, and lovely smile.

Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 12:00 PM on Friday, September 28th at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 6300 N. Meridian Rd., Meridian followed by the Funeral Mass at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Morris Hill Cemetery. Remembrances may be left for the family at www.AccentFuneral.com. Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home and Cremation, Meridian.

(published in Idaho Statesman, Legacy.com on Sept. 23, 2018)