JUNE FERGUSON

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JUNE FERGUSON It is with great sadness that the family of June Ferguson announce her sudden passing on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at Portage District General Hospital in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Cora Berna June was born on June 16, 1924 in Darlingford, Manitoba. She was the second daughter of George and Mildred (Spencer) Collins. June attended Opawaka (near Darlingford), Souden, Winchester and Plumas schools. Grade 9 and 10 were taken at the country schools by correspondence. June taught on a permit for two years at Ayr and Preston, then worked in the Robinson Store in Gladstone until the fall of 1946. Through mutual friends and district dances, June met Jim Ferguson. June and Jim were married on October 2, 1946 at the Gladstone United Church. This was one of the only times in her life that June was actually late! June and Jim farmed in Helston and raised their family of Robert, Errol, Craig and Gwen. After the death of June's sister Gwen in 1959, Gwen's children Scott and Laurynne came to be a part of their family. During the time her children were growing up, June was always involved in their activities. June's family was very important to her and she was always interested in what was going on in their lives. She took tremendous pride in her home and family. She loved nothing more than having her children, grandchildren and great-grand-children stop in to visit. June was a member of the Gladstone Agricultural Society, Mekiwin and Preston Ladies Auxiliary, Gladstone Curling Club, several bridge clubs, and Wooly Wizards. June also belonged to the Gladstone Art Club which she thoroughly enjoyed. Her family treasures the handicrafts and artwork that she has created and shared. June was very involved during Jim's years in politics. She was a gracious politician's wife. June was very adaptable and could do anything. She was the epitome of a lady, beautiful and poised. Her elegance shone in the manner in which she carried herself. She could effortlessly go from attending a political function to working in her flower gardens to entertaining unexpected visitors. She made connections with everyone and made us all feel so special. After decades of maintaining an immaculate home and garden, June and Jim moved to the Gladstone Legion Apartments in 2009. June enjoyed her time entertaining and visiting her friends and family at her apartment. Due to Jim's declining health, she took on a new role as care giver. She was a selfless individual who always put others first. June's love was real and unconditional and for those of us that had it, we will be forever blessed. June was predeceased by her parents George (1988) and Mildred (1985), sisters Gwen (1959) and Eileen (1988), her son Errol (1982) and son-in-law Dennis (2002). She is survived by her loving husband Jim of 64 years, sons Robert (Yvonne), Craig (Karen), daughter Gwen McCaskill; Scott (Joy) Ferguson, Laurynne Ferguson, Valerie (Greg) Emerson. She will be sorely missed by her grandchildren Tammy (Todd) Ballingall, Leita (Ray) Piché, Travis (Janie) Ferguson, Brad (Jen) Ferguson, Scott (Tasha) Emerson, Myles Hodgson, Arron Hodgson, Candace (Brent) Little, Michelle (Jeff) Ferguson, Lynn (Joel) Ferguson, Mark (Stacey) Ferguson, Kristyn (Chad) Ferguson, Adam McCaskill, and Kathryn (Chad) McCaskill. Great-grandchildren Tyler, Clayton, Kara and Hannah Ferguson, Owen and Alex Ferguson, Sean and Nicholas Piché, Elizabeth and Emilie Little, Mackenzie Gherasim. She also leaves her brother Don Collins of Arden as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members. June had many cherished friends with whom she shared many wonderful memories, these ladies will miss her dearly. The family would like to thank the doctors, nursing and ICU staff at Portage District General Hospital in Portage for their excellent care. Funeral Service will be held Monday, April 4, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gladstone United Church with Rev. Heather Lea officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Seven Regions Palliative Care, Box 711, Gladstone, MB R0J 0T0. Clarke's Funeral Home, Gladstone in care of arrangements www.clarkesfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2011