Josephine Ferguson

Josephine (Parks) Ferguson, age 74, resident of West Deer, transitioned serenely and with her son nearby on Monday, December 14th at West Penn Hospital, after a brief, intense, & complicated battle with Covid-19.  

Josie was born in August, 1946, to Jacob and Lillian Parks, and lived, vivaciously, her first four decades in Lawrenceville, just down the hill from where she peacefully took her final breath as her nurse spoke kindly to her while playing Motown songs and her respiratory technician stroked her hair.  

Josie was, across all contexts, the life of the party.  A fiercely loving and unconditionally supportive colleague, neighbor, friend, daughter, aunt, spouse, and Mother; Josie spread joy and laughter wherever and with whomever she found herself.  That is her legacy: unconditional love, laughter, and affirmation. 

Josie is survived by her loving husband, Richard; her one and only child, Gregory; her beloved daughter-in-law, Jennifer; her unimpeachable (as she would assert) granddaughter-in-law, Madison; her niece/surrogate daughter, Lillian; her amazing and quick-witted surrogate son-in-law, Thomas; her surrogate grandson, Shamus; and her surrogate granddaughter, Maggie…both of whom she loved unabashedly and about whom she experienced unending pride.  Most of Josie’s time, later in life, was spent regaling anyone within earshot celebratory, and perhaps a bit boastful, stories about ALL of her children and grandchildren.  

At Josie’s repeated request and because of the current pandemic, there will be no gathering at this time.  However, in the future, and when permitted, we will celebrate Josie’s life and existence in the way that she would have wanted, with plenty of dancing and drinking, laughing and eating.  

In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that you seriously consider your behavior and decisions during this pandemic.  Please be mindful and caring of others.  Wear a mask at all times and be aware of socially distancing. Avoid indoor congregations, and take care of yourselves, also.

At the family’s request all services were private. Arrangements were entrusted to the SIWICKI-YANICKO FUNERAL HOME, 23 McKrell Road, Russellton, West Deer Township. View obituary online and leave condolences at www.siwicki-yanickofh.com

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