New Glasgow –Elizabeth Ann “Beth” Ferguson, passed away peacefully Sunday, February 26, 2017. She was not just our Mother, she was Mother to many and we shared her happily (well, most of the time). Countless peanut butter sandwiches, raucous games of Spoons, Canasta, the odd party in her absence (!) and years of sound truths later, she became Grammy, and then Grammy to many and we shared her lovingly now with an effortless pan of lemon squares presented at a moment’s notice (disappeared in a moment as well), even more wisdom, somehow broader shoulders despite her own troubles and that smile; Oh! that smile! always dancing on her lips just waiting for that exact moment to lighten your heart and to assure you that this will pass, that you must look past the difficulties and trust that you will find the good. Keep the good to help you through.
Before and during all this, there was Beth, cherished daughter, sister, wife, sister-in-law, aunt, trusted and loyal friend to so many, each of you carrying a piece of her heart with you, knowing by her warmth and caring, her encouragement and belief in you, that you were so special to her. Keep her close, remember her smile, her laugh, her love and she will never be gone.
Then there was Mrs. Ferguson, Secretary/Registrar for the Aberdeen Hospital School of Nursing. She was as faithful and dedicated to each of those nursing students as she was to her family, gently encouraging, giving confidence and smoothing the way for the finest nurses. She developed lifelong friendships with her colleagues and gained the respect and admiration of those she supported with her work.
It has been said you die three times; the last time you take a breath, the last time someone speaks your name, the last time someone thinks of you. We never know which is the last time; the last glance, the last touch, the last hug. Love, each time.
She was born June 22nd, 1933 in Campbellton, New Brunswick to the late Barbara Ellen “Jessie” Pollock and John Earnest (Jack) Lutes.
She joins her husband and best friend, Ivan Scott Ferguson, son, John David “Ferg” Ferguson, brothers, Rupert and Wilfred Lutes, brother-in-law, Jack Allison, mother-in-law, Marjorie Jean (Farrar) Ferguson, father-in-law, David James Ferguson, brothers-in-law, Donald and Verne Ferguson, sisters-in-law, Louise Girvan (Grassy), Davida Credico, Francis McCollum (Bob), brother-in-law, Max Irving.
Left to miss her easy laughter are, sister, Joyce Allison, son, Raeburn, daughter, Janet “Jan”, grandchildren, Gerald (Rhonda) Duffy, Sarah Ferguson, Raylene MacPherson (Brian Garby), daughter-in-law, Colleen (Duffy) Ferguson, great grandsons, Brendon and Dillon Duffy, sisters-in-law, Joyce Lutes, Pat Lutes, Betty Irving, her adored nieces and nephews who each held their own special place in her heart. Forever in the heart of her chosen daughter, Kathy Graham (Sam), who doted on Mother with the tender care she so deserved.
Mum leaves behind a multitude of friends whom she loved dearly. She lived for each bridge game, gladly anticipated a long game of Phase 10 with her pals and was obsessed with Tuesday morning Mah-jong. She always enjoyed an opportunity to visit with everyone who crossed over her threshold, genuinely interested in what was going on in their lives.
With all that in her life, there was nothing that gave Mum more joy than spending time with her beloved family. She was not afraid to die; she just didn’t want to miss out on a moment of their lives.
A reception will be held at Trinity United Church, New Glasgow, (MacLean Street Entrance), from 2-3:45 pm Friday, March 3rd, followed at 4 pm by a Celebration of Her Life in the Church. Donations in Mum’s memory can be made to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society or the Aberdeen Hospital Auxiliary (Gift Shop).
To those who so valiantly fought for her recovery, who so graciously helped her pass, for your care, your talent, your love, your skill, thank you.
Arrangements are under the direction of the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow.
Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.rhporter.ca