Fern Brown Neumann, 99 years old, passed away on October 21, 2015.
She was a loving wife and mother and is preceded in death by her husband, Charles E. Neumann and her daughter Ann Neumann Randazzo. She is survived by her three daughters, Brenda Eaton of Port Neches, Mary Burgert of Houston, and Margaret Farr of Virginia, her sister, Mrs. Catherine Smith, eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.  Her family was a source of great joy and pride, and her Catholic religion was a source of strength.
Fern was born in Beaumont, Texas in 1916.  She graduated from St. Anthony High School in 1934 as Salutatorian of her class and a recipient of the American Legion Award. After high school she attended Washington University in St. Louis where she obtained certification to teach piano.  She later worked as a secretary at the Shipyard in Beaumont and met Charles Neumann, her husband-to-be.  They married in 1942 and were married for sixty-two years.
Mrs. Neumann loved playing bridge, belonging to the same bridge group for over thirty years. She was active in local service organizations including the Altar Society of St. Catherine’s, the Symphony Club where she served as president, and The Department Past President’s Club.  She was very involved in the PTA at St. James School, St. Catherine of Sienna School, and Bishop Byrne High School and was always an advocate for her children.  She served on the building committees of St. Catherine School and for Bishop Byrne High School.  Prior to the plans for new buildings, she was compelled to call the Bishop of the Diocese herself to strongly express her belief that the Catholic children of Port Arthur deserved better facilities.
Fern and her husband Charles had a great love of traveling.  They were proud to have visited every state in the U. S.  They also traveled to Europe several times, to the Far East, and to Australia.  Those were some of their fondest memories.
Fern Neumann will be missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, October 24, 2015 from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 1:00 p.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Port Arthur. Rite of Committal will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made to the Charles E. Neumann Scholarship Fund at Lamar Port Arthur or the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated.