Alice Joys Ferguson, 88, of Bloomfield, Connecticut, and Fisher Island, New York, died peacefully of Alzheimer’s disease on February 10, 2008, surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of Charles B. Ferguson. Born February 7, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Carl C. Joys and Marion Hartley Joys.
She grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and attended Milwaukee Downer Seminary, where she was the president of her class. After graduating from Smith College in 1941, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she was a civilian code breaker during World War II. While in Washington, she met her future husband, whom she married upon his return from Army service in the Pacific. They were married for 61 years.
In addition to her husband, Alice is survived by her daughters, Marion Ferguson Briggs of Washington, D.C., Hartley Ferguson of Gloucester, Massachusetts, and Julia Ferguson Hulslander of Williamsport, Pennsylvania; and three grandchildren, Alexander Briggs, Jessica Hulslander and Emily Hulslander.
A natural business executive, she supported her husband while he attended art school, and later managed two galleries: the Red Barn Art Gallery on Fishers Island, and the Grist Mill Art Gallery in Farmington, Connecticut. In 1960, Alice was also instrumental in founding the Henry L. Ferguson Museum, in memory of her father-in-law.
She will be remembered with much love for her enthusiasm, her dedication to her work, her love of conversation, her kindness, her strong commitment to justice for all, and especially her devotion to family and friends.
A private burial was held on Fishers Island. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Saturday May 31, 2008, at 12:30 pm at the Union Chapel on Fishers Island. In lieu of flowers, donations in Alice’s memory may be made to the Henry L. Ferguson Museum, Fishers Island, NY 06390.
A memorial service for Alice will be Saturday May 31, 2008, at 12:30 pm at the Union Chapel on Fishers Island.
