Velma Ferguson

‎ Velma Elizabeth Ferguson peacefully went to be with her Lord on Thursday January 4^th, 2018 at Sarah Reed Senior Living Center where she resided in her final years. Born July 6th 1922 she was the daughter of Howard and Bessie Burden of Alliance, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her husband John C. Ferguson and sisters Irene Wymer of Ravenna, Ohio and Wilma Castiglione of Erie.

Velma is survived by her four children Mary Lyons (Rich) of Edinboro, Pa, Renee Peters (Bill) of Fairport, NY, Tim Ferguson (Lois) and Matt Ferguson (Julie) both of Fairview. In addition to her four children her immediate family included her grandsons John Lyons (Dorota) of Erie, Bill Peters (Donna Wrublewski) of Los Angeles, and Michael Lyons, of Albion, Pa.  

Velma was a graduate of Erie Busines School and employed at Hays Manufacturing and Metro Hospital from which she retired in June of 1986. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant.   She enjoyed knitting, bowling, card playing, working the crosswords, and she was a great dancer.   Velma also worked tirelessly supporting her husband’s efforts to establish the Erie County WWII Memorial. 

Velma's life was devoted to her children and their well being. She loved having her home full of family for the holidays, dogs and kids and all, and the happy commotion that came with it.  She taught her children the values of hard work, self reliance, perseverance, and the importance of love in thought and deed. It is why God gave her ninety-five years with them.

 The world has been made a better place by her being here. She will be deeply missed every day by those she loved.

The family would like to acknowledge the compassionate care Velma received from the staff at Sarah Reed Senior Living, particularly during her residence in the Zurn Pavillion, the memory care unit.

Friends are invited to call on the family on Friday Jan. 12^th from 10am until the time of the service at 12pm at Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 W. 26^th St. (at Powell Ave).  Private burial at Dunn Valley Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Sarah Reed Senior Living Center, in Velma’s memory.