Betty Ferguson

In life we are given many gifts, none more important than family and friends. As we enjoy those relationships while living, our hearts break when it is time for them to go.

Betty Ferguson, 80, of Erie, PA, passed away February 22,2023 at Elmwood Gardens, after a brief illness.

Raised in Erie, PA she was one of four sisters born to the late Harold Palmer and Inez Heinonen.

She began volunteering at the Rape Crisis Center in the early 1980’s.  She eventually became an employee, remaining there for 25 years. In her time there, Betty earned several awards, including the Governor’s Excellence Award, for her work with a mediation program that permitted crime victims and/or families an opportunity to mee the offender. Betty also worked at the Whole Life Education Center, teaching individuals and groups the process of healing their life, and how that was possible through the pursuit of forgiveness. She was also nominated by a friend and selected by Edinboro University to receive an Honorary Doctorate for her years of service to the community through counseling, teaching, public speaking, and being a tireless example of healing, recovery, love, laughter and finding your own truth.

Betty loved spending time by the water, travel, writing and talking for hours with anyone on their journey.  She enjoyed her family get togethers, a favorite being “Spend the Night” each year just before Christmas. It is impossible to capture in one obituary, the life of someone who has lived 80 years. It is, however, possible to see some of it in the legacy they leave in those who knew and loved them.

“How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so difficult.” A.A. Milne

She is proceeded in death by her husband Norm Ferguson, sister Ester Tesorero, and beloved daughter Debbie Gama.

Betty is survived by with love by her sons Rick (Mandy), Daryll, Glenn and daughter Myshelle (Doug), her sisters Shirley Palmer and Carol Whiteman, several grand and great grandchildren.

The family would like to acknowledge the ladies from Club, Norb Dennis and countless others whose life was changed by knowing Betty.  

A celebration of life will be held March 4^th from 5 until 8 PM at her residence. Services and burial will be private.

Arrangements are under the care of Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, Inc. Downtown, 602 W. 10^th St., Erie.

Memorials may be made to the Crime Victim Center, 125 W. 18^th St., Erie, PA 16501.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.