FERGUSON, REA FELICITY (SLOAN) (PATTERSON) - Rea Felicity Ferguson, wife of the late Kirk Ferguson and the late Arthur Patterson, died on Wednesday, May 14th, 2014, at the Loch Lomond Villa. She was born in Wellington, New Zealand, on September 19th, 1915, to Robert and Edith Louise (Walker) Sloan. Rea and her mother and sisters emigrated to Saint John after the death of her father and started a new life in Canada where some of her aunts, uncles and cousins had already emigrated from her mother’s native England. Our mother enjoyed her life and the people around her wherever she was and whatever the circumstances. She lived genuine, gracious hospitality whether at her apartment at the villa, our family cottage in St. Martins or their winter trailer in Florida. She was active for most of her life in Stone Church and the ACW and sang in the choir for close to 50 years. Rea served on the boards of the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Loch Lomond Villa as well as serving on various working committees and volunteer organizations, mostly in quietly, pleasantly serving others. She was always good company and a pleasure to spend time with even in her very recent ill health. She is survived by her daughters: E. Jane Ostrander (Philip Gellatly) of Boat of Garten, Scotland, and Martha Edwards (Bria) of Saint John, N.B; by her beloved grandchildren: Robin Arthur (Shannon) Verner of Wetaskiwin, AB, Kathleen Rea Verner of Halifax, N.S., and Nicole Laudji of Calgary, AB; great grandchildren: Liam Kirk Verner and Brianne and Janahya Laudji; nieces: Dorothy Dearborn of Saint John N.B., Winnifred Christmas of Vero Beach, FL, and Helen Hawkins of Illinois; several great, great x2 and greatx3 nieces and nephews. As well as many friends of all ages, Rea is also survived by a large mutually chosen extended family, the St. Martins’ Loves and their many branches. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by husbands Arthur Patterson and Kirk Ferguson; sisters Hinnamoah Kelly and Huia Ryder; niece Patricia McLeod; and nephews Barry Ryder and Wilfred Varley. Rea was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Our mother lived a full, rich life of deep, strong Christianity, with grace and we thank God for her. We would like to thank Dr. Beth Carson and Dr. Lisa Yang and all of the nursing and care staff at Ash/Birch Lane at the Loch Lomond Villa for the ongoing care, respect and dignity they afforded our mother and particularly gave to both Mum and us, in recent days. You guys are a blessing. We would also like to thank the Rev. Ruth Langlais and Rev. Terrence Chandra for their ministries to Mum. To Rev. Wally Corey, Rev. George Eves and Margaret Murphy, thank you for being there when we needed you. To all of you, your kindness will not be forgotten.
Rea’s funeral will be held Monday, May 19th, 2014 at 11am at Fundy Funeral Home. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, remembrances made to the SPCA Animal Rescue League, World Vision, the Loch Lomond Villa Foundation, or the charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Private interment will take place at a later date. To send a message of condolence please visit www.fundyfuneralhome.com