Ferne Edgecombe, 101
Meet Ferne Edgecombe, 101 years young.
Ferne’s wish was simple, yet deeply meaningful—to see Stars on Ice live and meet her skating hero, Elvis Stojko.
Ferne’s life began in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where she grew up with five siblings in a home shaped by simple joys and modest means. From an early age, she found happiness in the little things—picking wild blueberries, fishing in local streams, and most of all, skating. Although she didn’t have skates of her own, she made do with her brother’s old pair.
At 19, while working her first job as a secretary at the Royal Bank in Halifax, Ferne saved enough money to buy herself her first brand-new pair of figure skates so she could spend countless hours skating with her sister. There were no lessons, no club—just their shared love of the sport. Their mother, a seamstress, lovingly made their skating outfits by hand, blending creativity with practicality.
Eventually, Ferne married and moved to Prince Edward Island, where she and her husband raised their family. His job in banking meant they moved often, but no matter where they went, Ferne always found a way to keep skating in her life. When her husband passed away in 2004, she moved closer to her sons for support.
Over the years, Ferne became an avid viewer of Stars on Ice. She was always captivated by the skaters’ speed and skill and slowly the idea of watching the show live became a long-held dream. Even as she aged, Ferne occasionally laced up her skates, refusing to let go of something she’d always loved.
More recently, Ferne has faced new challenges. She suffered two strokes, the latest in June 2024. Despite this, she remains optimistic and is recovering well. Her current goal is to leave the facility where she’s staying and return closer to her family—and to finally experience Stars on Ice in person.
In March 2025, we were honoured to help make Ferne’s dream come true. She flew to St. John’s, Newfoundland, where she experienced Stars on Ice live for the very first time. From her seat, she listened to the sound of blades sweeping across the ice, marveled at the shimmer of the costumes, and finally got to meet Canadian figure skating legend Elvis Stojko—a moment she won’t soon forget.
Ferne’s wish wasn’t just about watching a show—it was about celebrating a lifelong passion that’s stayed with her for over a century. It was a moment that reminded her of who she’s always been and everything she still hopes for.
Special Thanks: Stars on Ice , Mary Brown's Center, NFLD, Delta by Marriott St. John's Hotel and Conference Centre
Photography: KaitlynleePhotographie
