On December 2, 2008, Fernea died at the age of 81. She was survived by Robert, daughters Laura Ann and Laila, son David and eight grandchildren. She has contributed greatly to the study of Middle Eastern women and has left her mark on anthropology even though it was not her initial field. As Fayza Hassan put it, “She slips between countries and cultures with ease, never fully belonging but always at home,”. Her devotion to bridging the gap between the West and the Middle East was a main goal in her career and through writing and film she has shown many both sides of the story.