Born November 19, 1917 in East Gaines, New York, Fern Pellett has not only passed the century mark, but has attended all but one year of the 100-years-running of the Vink Family Reunion. A former teacher, and daughter of Eppo Poelma and Angie Vink, Fern has only missed the August 3, 1947 reunion because she was honeymooning, having been wed the day before.
The 2019 Vink Reunion was held on August 4 at the William M. Maher Lodge in Churchville. The very active and quick-witted Fern stated that she was at the first Vink Family Reunion in her mother’s womb, and is proud to have attended the last one now. (The reunion was suspended for two years during World War II.) Fern stated that she remembered when all the relatives were local, and most were employed as farmers or worked at Kodak. Now, with the changing times, many of the younger generation have moved away to go to college and pursue other career interests. As a result, attendance has waned, and the organizing committee has decided to make the centennial celebration the last Vink Family Reunion.
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