July 24, 1948 - February 10, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
Shelley Ann Susan Ferguson. Born July 24th, 1948 in Kenora, Ontario. Passed away February 10, 2022 at Trillium Hospice in Parksville after only a two day stay!
Shelley is survived by her two daughters, Kendall (Chris) Currie and Juliann (Mike) Byington, both in Port Alberni, B.C. and her grandchildren Brodie (Cheryl) and Kalis Currie and Summer, Kendra, Kole, Chase and Triztan Byington.
She was predeceased by her parents - Jack and Grace Ferguson - and her two brothers, William David (Billy or Ferg) Ferguson and Christopher Paul (Kit) Ferguson.
Shelley had a zest for living! She was adopted into the Ferguson family at birth and grew up at their fishing camp in Kenora. She often talked fondly of her childhood at the camp where she learned a good work ethic from her parents! She worked hard all her life at many different jobs including helping run the general store in Klemtu, B.C. with her parents and running her own business in Coombs, B.C. - a western store selling boots, belts, western clothing, western gifts and later a collectibles business including local art and crafts.
Shelley had her first daughter, Kendall, in September of 1968. She married Cyril Neden. The Neden family welcomed Shelley and she, Cyril and Kendall bought a little farm in Coombs near the Nedens and raised some cows, had horses for the girls, a few chickens and a dog or 2.
In 1981, Shelley and Cyril decided to adopt a second child and Juliann came into their lives. Shelley was very involved in the girls' activities, especially coaching figure skating. She cooked, baked, canned and looked after the home, the girls and farm when Cyril was away - he worked as a faller so was away working a lot of the time.
In the late 80's, Shelley and Cyril decided to part ways and, for a while, Shelley raised Juliann on her own. Shelley later met Don and they made music together - Don played guitar and sang and Shelley sang with him. They made a few cds and played at senior homes, bars and other venues. Shelley's email address was "singing_country" and her music became a very important part of her life! She loves Don to this day and thanks him for letting her sing with him.
Shelley moved back and forth from Kenora, Ontario to the Island but in the last few years, since she moved back to Parksville permanently, she became a fixture at the Parksville Legion where she volunteered in the kitchen and played pool regularly. Many of her dearest friends are the members of this Legion! Shelley wishes to thank the members of the Parksville Legion for being so kind to her!
Shelley had a good life - and a hard one. With her deteriorating health, she had a lot of time to think back and reminisce. She saw the good - and the bad - and was at peace with it all when she passed.
A memorial luncheon will be held at the Parksville Legion later in the year when the restrictions are lifted. Shelley's ashes will be spread at Top Bridge on the Englishman River in the spring where she took her kids swimming many, many times and where many good memories were made.
She will be missed!
Yates Memorial Services 250-248-5859
"Lives Cherished and Celebrated"