Obituary of Moyra Grace Norma Ferguson

March 23, 1935 – Calgary, Alberta

July 13, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Moyra Ferguson passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, July 13, 2024. She will be greatly missed by her children, Gregg (Jenny), Nancy (Geoff), Steph (Dayle), and Jane. Grannie will also be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Jessie, Lachlan, Elizabeth, Alec, Susan, Malcolm, Fergus, Richard, Arthur, and Joe.

Moyra is also survived by her brother Norm Mackie (Val), brother-in-law Rob Ferguson (Pat), Margot Ferguson, Pat Kulbaba, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years Joe Ferguson, her partner Doug Shandro, her parents, three siblings (Bonnie, Stuart, Jim), and son-in-law Ray Gareau.

Born in Calgary, AB, to Norman and Lilias Mackie, Moyra graduated from Central High School and Mount Royal College, obtaining her Teaching Certificate in 1955. She taught in Calgary and Edmonton, AB, until her children started arriving and she embraced what she always said was a far better job: mom and homemaker. Family was important to her; she valued and nurtured the relationships with her friends and extended family.

Moyra was a serial volunteer whose tireless efforts touched numerous organizations. Her enthusiasm and commitment inspired others to join her and often led her to take on leadership roles. Some of the organizations that greatly benefited from her contributions include the Girl Guides of Canada (Brownies), the Canadian Cancer Society (Daffodil Days), the Glenbow Museum (Acquisition Society), and the Southern Alberta Pioneers and Their Descendants. Additionally, way back when her children were in school, Moyra was a familiar and reliable presence, driving countless kids in her Country Squire Station Wagon to and supervising their field trips, sports, and Brownie Camps.

While a fabulous cook, baker, hostess, friend, sister, mom, aunt, keeper of family traditions, volunteer, and leader, her most cherished and accomplished role was that of Grannie to her ten grandchildren. They will remember the sleepovers, stories, “Grannie days”, hikes, outings, early morning snuggles in bed at the Lake, her cookies, and mostly, her unconditional love and support.

She will be lovingly remembered by so many as a kind and gracious woman with a quick wit and keen intelligence. Throughout her lifetime, she modelled these characteristics and has taught a generation (or two) how to be kind, thoughtful and generous. A beautiful human to the end.

Celebration of Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, https://cancer.ca/en/,  or to a charity of your choosing.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Moyra’s family here.

In living memory of Moyra Ferguson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.