MEAD, FERN HARRIET

MEAD, FERN HARRIET
Fern Harriet (Helms) Mead, 88, of Cape May, NJ, passed away unexpectedly at home on September 3, 2025, surrounded by her beloved son, John Mead Jr., and her trusted aide, Colleen Mackey.
Born in Philadelphia, PA on April 9, 1937, Fern and Faith were known as “the twins” and inseparable all their lives. Fern frequently joked that she couldn't believe she waited to be born second. They were always together and when they weren't later in life, they made sure to talk on the phone every day.
Fern was the devoted wife of John Hannan Mead, with whom she shared over 60 years of love, laughter, and partnership, until his passing in February of this year. Together, she and John built a respected law practice in Cape May, where their dedication to each other and their community was unwavering.
Fern was deeply involved in service throughout her life. She was a member of Rotary-Anns, Women in the Service of the Church, and the Legal Secretaries Association. She also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a national organization that recruits and trains volunteers to provide court-ordered advocacy for children in foster care. As a CASA, Fern was a strong, compassionate voice for abused, neglected, and abandoned children, ensuring their safety, well-being, and placement in permanent homes. Her generosity of spirit extended well beyond formal organizationsshe had a natural gift for welcoming others into her home and into her heart. To many, she was simply and lovingly known as “Aunt Fern.”
She had a lifelong love for the outdoors, especially fishing and gardening. In a loving gesture, John named their two fishing boatsthe SeaGal and The Helmsmanafter Fern, even though she never sought the spotlight or enjoyed being the center of attention. She loved nothing more than rising early, heading over the bar with a hot cup of coffee in hand, and watching the sunrise as the day of fishing began. Some of her happiest memories were made on the water, whether close to home or during their travels to Florida and Mexico for sportfishing adventures. She once took second place in the Stone Harbor Yacht Club marlin tournament. Her son, John Jr., shares that passion, and developed his own love of the sea and the thrill of fishing for sharks and then giant tuna. John Jr's boat is devotedly named Miss Fern and is well known in the New England bluefin tuna fishery where Miss Fern t-shirts remain a hot commodity.
At home, Fern poured her heart into her garden, which was always filled with vibrant flowers and color, like her personality. In her later years, John Jr. returned home to care first for his ailing father, and then for his mother as she struggled with dementia. His complete caretaking allowed Fern to remain in the home she so loved, in comfort.
Fern also embraced health and wellness, often practicing yogahot yoga includedwell into her later years. She loved tennis and skiing when time allowed. She was a life-long learner, taking classes that reflected her drive to accomplish personal growth.
One of the highlights of her life she said was attending President Reagan's inaugural ball with John, dressed in a flowing deep purple dress with a sleeveless single-shoulder feathered accent which she wore so elegantly. She was mesmerized and starstruck by the attendees.
Those who knew Fern will never forget her great sense of humor and her joyful laughter, which could brighten even the most ordinary day. Her warmth, curiosity, and zest for life will be infectiously carried on by her son, John Jr.; nieces and nephew, Alexandria Gotthard, Jeanine Williams, Nicole Voit, Suzanne Haggerty, and Eddie Haggerty; and the many extended family members and friends whose lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her twin, Faith; and John Jr's fiancée, Kelly.
She will be remembered not only for her accomplishments and adventures, but for the countless moments of kindness, laughter, and generosity that she lavished on everyone she loved so freely.
The family wishes to offer special thanks to Colleen Mackey from Bayada for her kind and compassionate care of Fern over the past year. Colleen became a trusted friend not just caregiver to Fern and family.
Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the Radzieta Funeral Home, 9 Hand Avenue, Cape May Court House, NJ, where visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Cape May Court House.
Condolences at
www.radzieta.com