Fern E. Faigen

FERN FAIGEN (BARNETT)

Fern Faigen, beloved wife of Irving Faigen (deceased); cherished mother of Scott (deceased), Joan (Steven Svensson), Tina (Robert Schultz); loving grandmother of Michael (Isolde), Liana, Judà, and Jasiel; great-grandmother of Asher and Zoey; sister of Natalie Phillips, Myrna Ortinberg (deceased), passed away on March 11, 2025 at age 93.

Music being the central figure of the entire Faigen household, Fern taught piano privately for 65 years specializing in young beginners. She created a music appreciation class for 5-year-olds, and wrote a 2-volume piano course titled “Fern Faigen’s Piano Method” that was enjoyed by many. Although neither Fern nor Irv were professional performance artists, both were deeply involved in the music community. As highly-active board members of Pittsburgh Concert Society, they created the society’s Alumni Recital that has been presented annually for decades. They also were part of the founding team for Bedford Springs Festival.

Fern said her greatest life achievement was raising her three musically-talented children. She was proud of the good people they became and of their successful music careers. From her children’s perspective, her greatest attribute was her remarkable partnership with their father who passed away in 2007. A true love affair, Fern described Irv as “even more beautiful on the inside than on the outside." Together they found joy in folk dancing, taking art trips, biking, hosting picnics, cooking, and enriching their lives with culture and travel.

A memorial concert in memory of Fern and her son Scott who passed away on January 3 will be held on Monday, March 31, 4:00 PM in the chapel at Providence Point Senior Community, 500 Providence Pt. Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15243.

Donations in Fern's memory may be made to the Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation, PO Box 1092, West Seneca, NY 14224.

Arrangements entrusted to WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, Scott Twp., 412-563-2800.

www.slaterfuneral.com