Barbara Elizabeth (Cole) Ferguson passed away peacefully at home on the evening of Thursday, December 23, 2021 in the loving care of her daughter-in-law Dawn, and son, Norman (Scott) Ferguson. She was 86 years old.

Barbara was born at home in Locke Mills, Maine on March 22, 1935 to her father Lewis and mother Minola Cole. She grew up in the Bethel/Woodstock area during the post-Depression and World War II years. She developed a character of resourcefulness and persistence that carried her through her long and productive life. During her high school years at Gould Academy, she served as a writer and eventual editor-in-chief for the school newspaper; The Blue and Gold and graduated as the salutatorian of the class of 1953. She attended Pratt Diagnostic School at Tufts Medical school in Boston, where she graduated with a degree in medical technology. She became a laboratory technician at the Rumford Community Hospital, where she worked for several years.

While she knew her eventual husband, Norman K. “Sonny” Ferguson, Jr. when they were both students at Gould Academy in Bethel, they would come to find love several years after high school. They were married on January 28, 1956 in Bethel with a celebration at the Congregational Church. Barbara and Norman went on to have four sons in six years and would annually travel to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia for summer vacations with the extended Ferguson family. Barbara went back to college in the early 1970s to complete a teaching degree while raising a busy family. Her persistence paid off when she completed her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at the University of Maine, Farmington. She worked for over 25 years as an elementary school teacher. She even taught first grade for many years in the small Locke Mills School where she started school.

Barbara was an active member in the Rumford Point Congregational Church and participated in many Hanover, Rumford and Bethel community organizations, and events. She exhibited a warm, hospitable demeanor and her home became a frequent informal gathering place for community members and friends of her sons. Many warm and joyous gatherings over the years served to build community bonds that have endured the test of time.  She and Norman presided over a loving family of 11 grandchildren, their parents and friends. There were many family gatherings in Hanover, across Maine and in Nova Scotia where fun-filled events were inspired by her natural role as loving grandmother and devoted friend to all.

After the death of her husband, Norman, in 2010, Barbara moved to Fryeburg, where she was closer to her eldest son Scott, her daughter-in-law Dawn and grandson Seth. She became a practicing member of the Fryeburg New Church and active participant in many Fryeburg activities with friends and neighbors. True to her passion for teaching and writing, she started a monthly project at the New Church called In the Spot Light. Once a month, she would interview a Sunday school student and publish a one-page interview in the church bulletin featuring that student’s interests and goals.

Barbara will be missed by her family and many others. We are all heartened and inspired by her kindness of spirit and model of warmth and respect for all.  The Ferguson family is highly grateful for the loving professionalism and kind care provided by Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice. The Fergusons are also grateful for the love and devotion of Dawn and Scott Ferguson as they cared for our mother through her later years and final days.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Norman, 76.

She is survived by Scott (Norman, III) and Dawn Ferguson of Fryeburg, Douglas Ferguson of Dixmont, Daniel and Janet Ferguson of Bethel, and Robert Ferguson of Hampton Township, PA; grandchildren and partners, Eric Ferguson and Bethany Allen, with great-granddaughter, Iona, of Bowdoinham, ME,  Ian and Katherine Ferguson of Tamworth, NH, Seth Ferguson of Fryeburg, ME,  Sam Ferguson of Bethel, ME,  Catherine Ferguson of Stowe, VT, Jonathan Ferguson of Bath, ME, Marianne Ferguson and Brad Randall of North Berwick, ME, Angus Ferguson of Hampton Township, PA, Molly Ferguson of Kenduskeag, ME, Lucas Ferguson of Brewer, ME, and Sadie Ferguson Dillon and Husband Ryan Dillon of Hermon, ME.

A celebration of life will be held at the Fryeburg New Church in the late Spring. An interment service will be held later at the Rumford Point Church. Specific dates and times to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be provided to the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice (https://androscoggin.org).