Margaret A.

Ferguson

OBITUARY OF MARGARET A. FERGUSON

Margaret A. Ferguson (nee Doughty), age 82, of North Haven, NY and Hobe Sound, Florida, passed away peacefully on Jan. 25, 2020 following a short illness, surrounded by family.

Marge was born in New York City on October 27, 1937 to John and Margaret (nee Mulchrone) Doughty. Following her graduation from Sacred Heart High School in the Bronx, she attended City College, and worked in Manhattan. She first met her husband, Patrick J. Ferguson, when they were seated next to each other at a breakfast at The Waldorf Astoria Hotel in spring 1959. They began dating a few months later, and married in August 1960. They raised their children in Old Tappan, NJ, before retiring to North Haven, NY and Hobe Sound, FL.

Marge's passion for Ireland, and Irish culture and causes, was only exceeded by her fierce love for family. She enjoyed family gatherings (both near and far), ballroom and ceili dancing, Irish social, cultural and political activities, gardening, and card games with friends. To see Marge and Pat grace the dance floor, with synchronized moves honed over decades, was impressive. She was an active member of St. Andrew's and St. Christopher's parishes in Sag Harbor and Hobe Sound, respectively. Often described as a great lady, Marge maintained cherished friendships arising from her childhood in Highbridge, the Bronx; raising her family in Bergen County, NJ; involvement in Irish organizations in NJ, NY and Florida; ministries at her parishes; extended family; and homes in North Haven and Hobe Sound.

Marge (also remembered as Mag, Mom, Nana, and Aunt Maggie) is mourned by her devoted husband and dance partner, Pat. She will live in the hearts of their daughter, Peggy Gallagher (Steve Gallagher); their son Patrick; adored grandchildren Julie Gallagher, Connor Gallagher, Claire Ferguson, and Kate Ferguson; brother John Doughty (Dorothy Doughty); brother-in-law Albert Hein (Carol Hein); nieces and nephews John Hein, Andy Hein, Tara Taylor, Alicia Doughty Townsend, together with their spouses and children; and numerous beloved family in the United States and Ireland. She is predeceased by her parents and her sister, Coletta Hein.

Her light remains in the hearts of all who knew her well. Visitation will be on Friday, February 7 from 2 – 4 pm, and 7 - 9 pm, at Yardley & Pino Funeral Home, 91 Hampton Street, Sag Harbor, NY. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 8 at St. Andrew's R.C. Church, Sag Harbor, NY, with the burial of her ashes at St. Andrew's R.C. Cemetery immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift in her memory to the Sag Harbor Community Food Pantry, c/o The Old Whalers' Church, 44 East Union Street, Sag Harbor NY 11963, where Marge volunteered.