WOODSTOCK, CT – Wendy S. (Fernald) Heersink, 73, died Monday, July 28, 2025 at Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester, MA after being stricken ill.
She leaves her husband of almost 54 years, Ronald J. Heersink; 8 children, Katrina L. Raasch and her husband Mark of Claremont, NH, Kerrie A. Heersink and Koren M. Heersink, both of Murfreesboro, TN, Rachael J. Facenda and her husband Jonathan of South Korea, Timothy J. Heersink of Manchester, CT, Christopher J. Heersink and his wife Heather of Gardner, MA, Jordan C. Heersink and his wife Judy of Worcester, MA, and Trevor A. Heersink and his wife Victoria of Southbridge, MA; 14 grandchildren, Samantha, Yae-Chan, Yae-Sun, Hyae-Lan, Hyae-Jin, Yae-Joon, Cierra, Alexa, Rowan, Thomas, Jaiden, Aubrey, Oliver and Jaenelle; 2 sisters, Louise Hulbert and her husband Randy of Taunton, MA and Cheryl Dominy and her husband Beryl of Land O’Lakes, FL; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers Blaine Heersink and Peter Heersink, and by her sister Linda Piascik.
She was born in Rockland, Maine, on September 10, 1951 the fourth of the six children of Wyvern and Thelma (Johnson) Fernald and was raised in Groton, CT. She graduated from Fitch Senior High School there in 1968. After getting married and starting a family, she lived in various parts of the country including Maine, California, Washington State and then in England for 8 years before settling in Woodstock in 1998.
Mrs. Heersink spent her earlier years raising her family and homeschooling her 8 children, while also serving in many capacities at various churches along the way. When her kids were grown, she served as the secretary at Charlton Baptist Church for 19 years.
She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Webster. She enjoyed cooking for many of the ministry functions and missions conferences. She also loved hosting large family gatherings with her children and grandchildren in her home.
She and her husband met in the Spring of 1971 at Groton Heights Baptist Church, in Groton, CT where he was stationed in the Navy. They enjoyed spending time together going on day trips and visiting the beach. Some of their best times together were taking long drives while singing hymns, taking in the scenery, and finding new restaurants.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the First Baptist Church of Webster- 33 East Main Street, Webster, MA. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to First Baptist Church of Webster Missions Fund. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, Webster, MA.