Dorothy J Ferguson's Obituary
Dorothy J. Ferguson Obituary
22 September 1921 - 15 July 2016
Born in Rochester, Michigan to Wellington & Pauline Ostrom; she was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, William L. Ferguson, her son Laurence, her brother Donald Ostrom and her sister Betty Houghten.
She is survived by her sons, Dennis (Corinne) Ferguson, Gary (Trudy) Ferguson, and daughter, Judith Ferguson (David Schulz), five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Dorothy was an active member of Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in St. Petersburg from 1979. The Women's Fellowship of Pilgrim UCC started a community outreach project with Child Protective Services to fill shoeboxes with comforting personal items for children removed from their homes. The community response to Dottie's newspaper article requesting donations for the shoebox mission was overwhelming; one of the most generous responders was Carol Ann Campisi, who became a lifelong friend and enthusiastic supporter of this Pilgrim Church outreach project. In May 2012 Carol Ann's efforts to recognize her friend's civic contributions led to Dorothy's induction into St. Petersburg Senior Hall of Fame and the Mayor of St. Petersburg presenting Dottie with the key to the city.
She was Director of Adjunctive Therapy at the Haven Hospital in Rochester, MI and served in other nursing capacities for forty years.
Dorothy was a voracious reader and poet who won the hearts of hospital staffers, comforted and celebrated her friends and family with her poems, cards and letters. She loved quilting and had been a member of the Pilgrim Quilters for over 17 years; she also practiced and taught other arts and crafts (painting, leather working, ceramics, pottery and jewelry.)
She enjoyed exploring new places, trying new things and meeting new people. She and her family went camping for vacations and Scouting activities. Dottie and her husband flew around the country (even Hawaii) to visit their kids and grandkids. She obtained her first passport at age 78 to travel in Europe where her daughter was stationed, to attend Judy's wedding and share European vacations with Judy and David.
Music was the constant companion of Dorothy's life. She listened to a wide variety of music and enjoyed live theater and concert performances. While attending the musical, The Buddy Holly Story, in London England she was applauded by the band for her enthusiastic dancing in the aisles - the visiting rock n' roller was 82 years young. Two years ago, struggling with diminished eyesight, she discovered the joys of being able to simply ask her digital assistant ("Alexa") to play music, check the weather or time, give a news report, or answer the many questions of her boundless curiosity.
Dorothy was unfailingly hopeful; as generous with her smiles as her offers to help. She took the time to really listen to family, friends, neighbors or acquaintances. Her children and grandchildren affirm you can never have too many years of parenting from a mother who gives her unconditional and everlasting love.
What’s your fondest memory of Dorothy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dorothy?
Share a story where Dorothy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dorothy you’ll never forget.
How did Dorothy make you smile?