"I was so sorry to hear that Norma had passed away. Shirley Springer gave me the sad news. I always remember he smiling face. Its been many years since I last saw Norma, but we had many fun times together. I knew Norma thru Frank as my husband Woody Myers was in the service with him and we were in France together. Also when we lived in Seattle they lived not too far away and in the early years of marriage we would get together for dinner and laughs. Woody is now in a memory care facility. Rest in peace, Norma. "
In loving memory of
Norma Kristine Ferguson
September 18, 1931 - June 22, 2014
Norma Kristine Osen was born on September 18, 1931 to Bricken Kristen Larson Osen and Bror Holger Osen, two Swedish immigrants in Vancouver B.C and here is where our Mother's story begins:
Mom was raised in her early years on Vancouver Island. Fanny Bay to be exact. She attended grade school there along with her adored brother Herb. She often told stories of being teased on the playground "dumb Swede" the bullies would call them. They would run home at lunch only to be sent back by their very determined, remarkable mother. (guess who got the last laugh there?). On Vancouver Island in the logging camps she had fun skipping rope, log running and playing jax, also learning the trade of baking from her father and ironing from her mother. She was amazing at both. Norma attended middle school, high school and secretarial school in Vancouver B.C. where she met her forever friend Jean. They have had 68 wonderful years as best friends. Mom often talked about the Burberry coats they purchased and how they would strut their stuff in the big city!! And this is where us Americans come in. In May of 1953, Jean and Mom set out on a girls weekend to Seattle. Mom meets Dad, a handsome man in uniform. They fell in love and were married that Summer, July 18,1953. Judy, Kenny, Nancy and Tracy were soon to come.
Norma worked as a secretary at Clifford and Tulluck Land Company for 20+ years. She later retired from Shoreline Bank in Seattle. Working full time all those years she always managed to have a wonderful dinner on the table every night and always found time to attend our sporting and school events along with sewing badges on scout uniforms and making cheerleader uniforms. We had wonderful holidays traveling from Vancouver BC to Vancouver WA celebrating with family. While working full time Norma also studied hard to become a U.S. citizen in the late 1960's. She knew more about our country than we did. We were so very proud of her. She taught us all about the importance of family, hard work, acceptance, kindness, how to laugh at ourselves and most importantly unconditional love. Many lessons to cherish.
Norma and Frank were married for almost 61 years. In the early years they belonged to a dance club where they were naturals on the dance floor. We all loved to watch them dance. Last Summer we had the privilege in celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary with them at a family wedding in Napa Valley. They danced on our patio with a vineyard behind them. A memory that won't be forgotten. Norma's travels included trips to Mexico, Hawaii, California, Nevada, Germany, Denmark, and several trips to Sweden along with many vacations to Chelan and Vancouver Island. Family in Canada & Sweden were very important to her. She loved her time spent with her brother, Herb, and sister in law, Aster. Celebrating New Years in Vancouver and Summer holidays on Vancouver Island was something she always looked forward to. With her girls she loved to attend Joyce Meyer conferences which included the cities of St. Louis, Portland, Tacoma and Seattle. Joyce Meyer Ministries had a huge impact on her life.
Norma was very proud of her grandchildren. Attending ball games, dance recitals, birthdays parties and graduations were things she enjoyed very much. The grand kids loved sleep overs with her where they were allowed to stay up until midnight watching Mariner reruns and eating ice cream.
Norma had a very special group of ladies that she called her pinnacle group. They played cards together for over 40 years. Marylynne, Billie, Bonnie, Joanne, Annette, Cathy, Eleanor, Pat, Marge, and Sally you all held a very special place in Mom's heart. Norma also enjoyed Monday mornings at the Senior Center in Shoreline with her knitting group handcrafting the most beautiful sweaters, scarves, hats and our favorite dish cloths. She enjoyed the excursions you took to knitting stores far and wide hunting for the perfect yarn.
Norma is survived by her husband Frank, children-Judy & Tom (husband), Lorelei (Kenny's wife), Nancy & Don (husband), Tracy & Randy (husband), grandchildren- Lisa, James, Krissy, Brandon & Meghan (wife), Brady, Bo, Riley, Royce, Tricia, Jason & Danielle (wife), Jessica, Troy, great grandchildren-Gwen, Jaylen, Masyn, Rylan, Serenity, Jaydin, Jaxon and Nadine. Preceded in death by her beloved son, Kenny. We trust they are now together forever.
She will be remembered with love and greatly missed by us all.
Tributes
"Dear Ferguson Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I loved your Mom so much. She had a huge heart and I can hear her special giggle even now. She was a real trooper and a very special person. She welcomed everyone with open arms and a big smile. Prayers for your family at this time. "
"With heartfelt sympathy, Evergreen Washelli"