Obituary of Frances Isabel Ferguson

FERGUSON, Frances-It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our family matriarch, Frances Isabel Ferguson.  Mom passed away at the age of 98, after a brief illness, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

She was born on November 6, 1923 at the family farmhouse, the old Dalhousie Inn, in Enfield, Nova Scotia.  Frances was the daughter of the late Fred L. MacDonnell and Jean “Jenny” (Thompson) MacDonnell.

Mom lived all her life in Enfield, marrying the “love of her life”, Creighton Ferguson and together they were devoted parents to their children. Despite the loss of Creighton in 1971, she persevered, maintaining a positive outlook and a happiness in spirit which she passed on to those she loved.

She had a zest for living.  She would often say “life is sweet, no matter how bitter things get”.  Her family was her purpose and priority.  She loved being among her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Mom was a great homemaker and revelled in having many at her table. She also never stopped learning, taking piano lessons in her 50’s, violin lessons in her 60’s and painting in her 70’s.  Mom loved local history and entertained us with many stories of the Enfield of her younger years.

Mom was a devoted and life-long member of St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church, where she was a choir member for many years.  She loved to sing.  She was also a lifetime member of the Women’s Institute of Nova Scotia and canvasser of the Canadian Cancer Society for many years.

Surviving are children, Brian (Ann), Sydney Mines NS; Lorne (Helen), Prospect NS; Greg (Holly), Enfield NS; Edith (Ferguson) Ross, Elmsdale NS; Sandra (Ferguson) Watson, Milford NS; Bob (Krista), Rothesay NB; and Grant (Bhavana Verman), Oakville ON.

Surviving grandchildren, Craig Ferguson (Martha); Derek Ferguson (Jitka Popela); Matthew Ferguson (Lucinda); Karen Ferguson; Alan Ross; Margo Ross (Venessa Maillet), Sean Ross, Gillian VanTol, Leslie VanTol, Erin (Tyler) Lively, Billy Watson, David Watson, Sam Ferguson, Lydia Ferguson, Grace Ferguson, James Ferguson, Summer Hogan and great-grandchildren, Breah, Evelina, Ruaridh, Olivia, Owen, Ryan, Colton, Sophia and Isabelle.

Frances was predeceased by her husband Creighton; their daughter, Gail, two daughters in infancy and granddaughter, Heather Ferguson.  She was also predeceased by her sisters Margaret “Nellie” (Ray) Greenough, Edith “Florence” (Stuart) Wilson and Lorraine (Jack) Garden.

Visitation will be 2-4pm Sunday, December 19th in Ettinger Funeral Home, 2812 Highway 2, Shubenacadie.  A funeral service will be held 10am Monday, December 20^th in St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church, Enfield, Father Michael Walsh officiating.  COVID-19 regulations are to be adhered to. Masks are required and proof of vaccination will be required to attend the funeral. A live stream of the service will be available at https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=db404427-f9c2-4885-be3a-b26342ce9fcb

Family flowers only please.  Donations in Frances’ memory can be made the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, IWK Foundation or charity of your choice.  The Ferguson family wish to acknowledge the extraordinary love, care, professionalism, and compassion of the staff of Serenity Lodge and Dr. Rosie Kepkay throughout Mom’s time with them.

Condolences, words of comfort and remembrances of Frances may be shared with family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com