Inger Marianne Göranson Fenech

December 5, 1927 - January 1, 2017
Inger Marianne Göranson Fenech

Inger Marianne Göranson Fenech passed away on New Years day. She was born on Dec 5, 1927 in Stockholm, Sweden. Her father was Gustaf George Göranson of Oskarhamn, Kalmar, Sweden. Her mother was Svea Sophia Nilsson of Malmöhus Sweden.

The onset of WW2 was the big and sole scar on her otherwise very happy childhood. In her late teens she volunteered to work in the Swedish Army Stables in Stockholm. Her duties where grooming and carrying for the military horses. Later she started Nurses Training but due to an appendicitis attack, before the onset of antibiotics, her education was put on hold.

When she had sufficiently recovered she went to London and served two families as an au pair. It was there, at an Embassy Party, she meet the love of her life, Henri John Fenech, a Frenchman. They were married in 1952 in Skansen, Stockholm. After living in London, they moved to Paris. It was there their daughter, Annick, was born 1954. In 1955 they came to America where Henri completed his PHD in Nuclear Engineering at MIT in Boston Massachusetts and later worked as Assistant Professor. Their second daughter, Claire was born in 1957. It was the happiest time of her life. She loved the comradely with all the other married diverse international students at Westgate, the campus housing.

In 1968 the Family moved to Santa Barbara, Henri opened the Nuclear Engineering Dept at UCSB. 50 years of age Inger went back to school to finish her Nursing education. She completed her LVN at Santa Barbara Community College in 1972 and shortly after that graduated summa cum laude with an RN degree.

Inger was an accomplished painter and photographer. She had a passion for music and the arts. She loved the big cities and the culture events they offered. She took full advantage of many artistic occasions that Santa Barbara had to offer and was enthusiastic donator to CAMA.

Inger is survived by her two daughters: Annick Shipley (husband Randy) and Claire Fenech (husband Joseph Poirier). 6 grandchildren: Jared, Natalie, Mark, Elliot, Andrew and Alex. 6 great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Atticus, Jake, Izelle, Joseph and Cillian.

A celebration of life will be held this spring, In lieu of flowers a donation to Doctors Without Boarders, her preferred charity, in her name would be appreciated.

New Year's Passing
By Annick Fenech Shipley

Oh, Mama,
You passed away a few hours ago.
The candle-lights still flicker in the window
From Christmas barely passed.
The snow has gently fallen on this, the first day of the New Year.

Mama,
You on this day, start your newest chapter of life, away from us.
On the other side, Papa, your parents, and many others,
Are filled with joy, as you join them.

Our eyes are filled with tears,
Tears of sorrow and sadness.
Tears of joy, that old-age, pain and loneliness
Will no longer hold you down

Fly, my Mama,
The Eternities await you!

With Love,
Your children