Fern-Aileen Imse

Fern-Aileen Imse, 102, of Westborough, MA, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025.

Fern-Aileen lived a long, beautiful life defined by love, faith, and service. She was the devoted wife of the late Dr. Thomas Imse and was predeceased by her sons Paul and James Imse. She will be deeply missed by her large and loving family, her church community, and many dear friends.

Fern-Aileen was born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of the late Albert James and Mary Madeline (Undershek) Symons. After losing her father at age two, Fern-Aileen was raised by her mother in Manhattan, New York City. She attended Villa Maria Academy and graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in History.

Throughout her life, Fern-Aileen found purpose in giving back. She was a pillar of the Westborough community and an active member of St. Luke the Evangelist Church, where she became the first female communicant and served faithfully as a lector. She taught CCD Sunday School for over 20 years, helped launch the church’s English as a Second Language tutoring program, and was a member of Martha and Mary’s, a women’s spiritual and service organization. She also served as president of the Women of St. Luke’s Council.

Fern-Aileen’s community impact extended well beyond the church. She was a trustee of the Westborough Public Library, president of the Holy Cross Faculty Wives’ Club, and an officer in both the Westborough Garden Club and Westborough Women’s Club. After raising her six sons, she found new joy working as a reading teacher in the Westborough Public Schools for 21 years.

Later in life, Fern-Aileen embraced her next chapter at The Willows of Westborough, where she formed deep friendships and continued her lifelong mission of kindness and connection.

Fern-Aileen’s life reminds us that love and faith are the roots of true resilience. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she nurtured, with quiet strength, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to others.

She is survived by her sons Peter, John, Andrew, and Mark; daughters-in-law Deb, Marcia, Leslie, and Bunny. Fern-Aileen adored her grandchildren (and their spouses); Joanna Imse (Ben Martin), Vanessa Lolli (Joseph), Gillian DeSoiza (Andrew), Jared, Nathan, Jacqueline Augustine (Nicholas), Jesse Imse (Danielle Marzitelli), Michael, and Kayla Imse (Jeremiah Meadows). Her great-grandchildren gave her light and love; MacGregor, Harriette, Eloise, Henry, Nelson, Lucas, Juliet, Oliver, Amelia, Christopher, Isabella, Jeremiah, London, and Kayden—brought her boundless joy.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Weds., July 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main Street, Westborough. Burial will follow at St. Luke’s Cemetery. A reception will be held at the St. Luke’s Parish Hall after the burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fern-Aileen’s memory to Abby’s House, 52 High Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or abbyshouse.org/donate.