Fern Ellen Gargano

Fern Ellen Gargano of Asheville, NC, passed away on November 18, 2025. Fern was born on September 9, 1930, in Pittsburgh, PA, the daughter of Florence Hallewell Jones and Silas Gunning Jones. Fern was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, William E. Gargano. Fern and Bill were married in and lived most of their life in Sharon, PA, where they raised their family and built a successful business. Fern is survived by her three daughters, Gwen Sargent of Asheville, NC, Karen Barton (Bill) of Simsbury, CT, and Barbara Cawley (Tom) of Rocky River, OH. Fern is also survived by her four grandchildren, Michael Cawley (Kristin), Lauren Ducey (Eric), Anne Keegstra (Brent), and Melissa Barton (Alex,) and her eight great-grandchildren, Brynn and Mila Cawley, Madeline and James Ducey, Jillian and Hannah Keegstra, and Maeve and Clara Hoerman. After the passing of her husband, Fern retired to Singer Island, Florida, and later moved to Asheville, NC, where she became an avid painter, mostly of birds and flowers. Many of her paintings are on display at her retirement community. Wherever she went, Fern's graciousness and charm made a lasting impression. She will be missed by many.