DORIS KATHLEEN FERGUSON

It is with both a feeling of loss and blessing that the family of Doris Kathleen Ferguson (nee Egan), of 627 First St. E., Fort Frances, Ont., bid farewell to a sister, an aunt, and a friend.
Doris passed away in her sleep on the early morn of Friday, Nov. 17, 2006 after a short stay at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances.
Doris was born in 1925 at 627 First St. E., the fourth daughter of her parents, Gertrude and Philbert Egan. She received her education at St. Mary’s School and Fort Frances High School.
Her first job was at the local R.C.A. Store.
She later moved to Port Arthur, Ont., where she worked for some time, later returning to Fort Frances. It was then she found her calling, working as an operator for the then-Fort Frances Telephone System and later for Bell Telephone, which took over the local system in the first step leading to the modern communications system we have today in our district.
It was during this career that she made many lifelong friends who will mourn her passing.
Doris was a dedicated member of the Royal Purple, where she held the position of treasurer for many years. She was very active, with her “fellow” members, in all of the Order’s functions as it gave her great satisfaction.
She also thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon senior bowling league.
Doris is survived by her sister, Agnes Swanson and husband, Lorne, of Pinawa, Man., their three sons, Jim and wife, Kerri, of Winnipeg, Man. and their three sons, Rob, Kevin and Matty; Gary and wife, Michelle, of Winnipeg, Man., and their son, Samuel; and Tim and wife, Janice, of Oakbank, Man., and their son, Chris and daughter, Tracy; and daughter, Lisa and husband, Michael Gaffney, and their son, Daniel, and their three daughters, Alison, Emily, and Lauren of Devon, Alta.
She also is survived also by her brother, Kenneth Egan and wife, Dede, of Fort Frances, Ont., and their sons, Randy Egan of Minneapolis, Mn., David Egan Sr. and wife, Karen, of Fort Frances, Ont. and their three sons, David Egan Jr., of Fort Frances, Ont., Joey of Cambridge, Ont., and Shaun of Fort Frances, Ont.; their daughter, Nancy Witherspoon and husband, Gordon, of Fort Frances, Ont. and their three sons, Scott (Danielle) and baby Camden of Le Duc, Alta., Bryce of Thunder Bay, Ont., and Brant of Fort Frances, Ont.; and Suzanne Egan of Brandon, Man. and her daughters, Patricia Egan and daughter, Isabella, of Winnipeg, Man., and Vanessa (Colin) and sons, Tzevi, Tyvek, and Xavier of Brandon, Man.
Doris also is survived by nieces, Janet Doris (Bill) Plumridge and son, Neil, and Kathleen Rose Egan and son, Adam, and nephews, John P. Egan and Jamie Egan, all of Fort Frances, Ont.; and by her nieces, Susan (Shawn) Armstrong, Gladys Merilainen, Linda Smiley, and Barbara (Dennis) Fraelich, all of Thunder Bay, Ont.; and nephews, Randy Cottrell (Carol) of Edmonton, Alta., Douglas Cottrell of Minneapolis, Mn., and John (Paula) Folino of Thunder Bay, Ont.
Doris was predeceased by her parents, Gertrude and Philbert Egan; three brothers, John T. Egan, Martin (Red) Egan, and Bert Egan Jr.; three sisters, Anastasia, Frances Cottrell, and Jean Folino late of Thunder Bay, Ont.; and nephews, Patrick Egan and Bobby Cottrell.
In accordance with Doris’ wishes, cremation has taken place. Interment will take place at a later time when her nieces and nephews and immediate family can all attend.
A reception was held Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2006 from 1-4 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Frances to remember the good times with Doris.
We, the family, would like to thank Dr. Nugent and the nurses on St. Andrew’s Ward for their excellent care and genuine concern for Doris at La Verendrye General Hospital.
We also would like to thank the staff of Green Funeral Home for their compassion and care during our loss at this time.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to “Just Imagine” C.T. Scan campaign, c/o La Verendrye General Hospital, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7 or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.