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Kelly Ferguson Obituary

FERGUSON KELLY J. FERGUSON On December 23, 2007, Kelly J. Ferguson, beloved daughter of Robert P. Ferguson. M.D. and Diane Ferguson (nee Strickland); dear sister of Mike Ferguson and his wife Kathy; dear aunt of Charlie Ferguson. Also survived by numerous aunts and uncles. She was born in Ithaca, NY, where her father was a student. She was raised in New York City, Long Island, New York, Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Bloomfield, CT, where she was valedictorian of the Bloomfield High School Class of 1986. She was an accomplished flutist in numerous school musical groups. She attended Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island where she graduated summa cum laude in 1990. Besides her family, her two great loves were show business and animals. She interned on the television show, Late Night with David Letterman and moved to Los Angeles where she worked in production roles in movies and television. After 9 years in California, she returned to the east coast to be closer to her parents. She worked in law in Washington, DC, before moving to her true calling, working with dogs and cats and a variety of other animals. She formed her own animal care company, Creature Care. A Remembrance Service will be held at a later date. The family suggests donations in Kelly's name to an animal rescue org. Recycled Love, P.O.Box 6476 Baltimore, MD 21230 (RecyledLove.org).

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Published by The Washington Post on Dec. 27, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Kelly Ferguson

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Family Member

December 23, 2008

Kelly, we miss you.

Jesse Abbot

June 22, 2008

Dear Dr. and Mrs. Ferguson, and Mike,

I only learned of Kelly's passing very recently. I was overwhelmed by both waves of grief and clear memories I will always treasure of our friendship.

Kelly understood the ecstasy and the visceral challenges of writing better than most people I know. We were co-conspirators over the years in a sustained dialogue, debate and pact (interspersed with frequent jokes) centered on what literary work really comes down to and what is the societal purpose of the author. She continually encouraged me in my own projects, and I did my best to offer support for her initiatives.

I cannot begin to express to you here how much Kelly meant and means to me, and the certainty I have that the collective force of the many lives she touched will speak to, nourish and extend to others a vital legacy. I would be honored to share further thoughts with you about your dear Kelly and all that she has given to so many people.

Sincerely,

Family Member

March 29, 2008

Thinking of you today, Kelly, on what would have been your 40th and recalling many happy times.

Angela Miller

March 18, 2008

I am just now learning of the news of Kelly's passing and I am stunned. I remember riding the bus to and from school with her as if it were just yesterday. She was a role model for me as a fellow flutist in the BHS band; her talent seemed so natural and her No. 1 spot in our roster well-deserved. She was bright, kind, and always pleasant: truly a shining star. She will sorely be missed. My deepest condolences to Kelly's loved ones and friends.

Deanie (Julien) Wysor

March 10, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Kelly was a wonderful person. I also played the flute in the BHS band but not nearly as well as she did. I have tears in my eyes, and yet a smile on my face when I think of all the good times/bus trips we had.

January 12, 2008

My most heartfelt condolences. What deeply sad news. I have thought about Kelly a lot over the years. We were the closest of friends in 8th grade, but then lost touch when I went on to private school. Kelly was the first girl I ever asked out, and she was the first girl to ever reject me. :) She was so smart and funny -- I worshipped her! She would draw me pictures of Friendly Horse, a cartoon horse of her own creation. In fact, only months ago, I came across a bunch of these drawings in a folder as I was going through old files. I kept them and will keep them. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Erin Lonergan Murray

January 9, 2008

Dear Diane, Bob and Michael,

We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter and sister, Kelly. We send our deepest sympathy and condolences. From what we have heard and read, Kelly was a bright and shining star. We know you will miss her. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

God Bless All -

Cousin Erin Lonergan Murray (Bill, Colleen, Michael and Brian.)

Megan Brady

January 9, 2008

I would like to give you my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your daughter. Kelly was a wonderful person who was always willing to help another friend and fellow DC area dog walker out. She was such a hard worker, kind woman and made me laugh every time we spoke. She will be deeply missed by this community.

Cathryn Magno

January 8, 2008

Dr. Ferguson, Mrs. Ferguson and Mike,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Kelly's death. She was (of course) my best competitor in music but more importantly a really good friend who made me laugh until I cried from our first meeting in 3rd grade through thousands of hours of rehearsals to the last time we spoke several years ago.
With my sincere condolences for your loss, Cathy

Taryn and Eric Rosenkranz

January 8, 2008

My husband and I were so saddened to hear the news of Kelly's death. She took care of our dog Maggie many times and she always had a kind word or smile for both the animals and people of Glover Park. We are just one of the countless people who will miss her here in Washington.

Ken Broder

January 8, 2008

Ferguson Family:
I was saddened to hear of Kelly's death and wish to express my heartfelt sympathy to your entire family.

NEIL R.

January 7, 2008

DEAR DR. FERGUSON AND FAMILY,
SORRY TO HERE ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR DAUGHTER KELLY I NEVER MET HER BUT THOSE WHO LOVE AND DO THE WORK FOR GOD'S CREATURES ARE ALL ONE FAMILY.

Susan Rubinstein

January 7, 2008

Dear Dr.and Mrs. Ferguson and Family, Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your dear daughter Kelly, obviously an exceptional person and much beloved by many. I'll keep you in my heart and prayers at all times as you face this most profound loss. Sincerely, Susan Hersker Rubinstein

Wei Lu

January 6, 2008

Dear Dr. Ferguson and Family:
I am deeply saddened by your loss, although I don't know Kelly in person. I knew her by a photograph in her Dad's office. A photo of her smiling with David Letterman, presented by a proud and loving father. Please accept my condolences.

Rob Merritt

January 5, 2008

I was very sad to hear of Kelly’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Philomena DeLeon

January 3, 2008

Dear
Bob, Diane, and Michael,

Darren and I were so sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. Having chaperoned the Bloomfield High School Bands for five years, I remember Kelly as one of my "sunshine" girls. She was
such a pleasure to be around and travel with to out of town parades.
Please accept our deepest sorrow and love to all the family.

Phyl and Darren DeLeon BHS Class of 85.

Chuck D'Aprix

January 3, 2008

My wife Jeannie and I extend our heartfelt sympathies. Kelly's compassion toward our dog Fenway coupled with her eager smile and quick wit will not be forgotten. We are among countless people in the Glover Park section of Washington, D.C. who will miss her.

Bill Dechand

January 3, 2008

Dear Ferguson Family & Friends,
I am saddened by your loss, but pleasant memories from childhood return. In additional to her scholarship and musical skills, Kelly had a great sense of humor and charm.
Please accept my condolences.

Kathy Curran

January 3, 2008

Dr. Ferguson, Mrs. Ferguson, Michael -

I am terribly sorry to hear about Kelly's death. I will keep Kelly and your whole family in my prayers.

Kathy Curran

Denisse Bonilla-Chaoui

January 3, 2008

My heart is with the Ferguson family. The many dogs & dog-lovers at Glover Park will miss Kelly’s reliable presence on that picnic table at our park. She always remembered the names of my dogs, and seeing her at the park on my way home from work every day was a comforting signal that it was time to relax. I really missed that sight on my way home from work yesterday. I offer my sincere condolences to the Ferguson’s, and my thoughts are with Shaker & Sebastian.

Debbie Gershenowitz

January 2, 2008

Dear Fergusons:
I was shocked and saddened when my mother called with the news of Kelly's death, and, like so many others have noted on this site, memories came flooding back immediately, and have remained with me. In addition to being incredibly talented, smart, and creative, she had charisma: she -- and the house at Sharon Road -- were very much at the center of Bloomfield's social and musical life in the early to mid-80s. I have not forgotten the compassion that she and you, Diane and Bob, demonstrated toward me and my family when my father passed away, and I hope that you'll find not only compassion, but eventually peace over these coming months and years.

Chris Davis

January 2, 2008

Dear Ferguson family,
We mourn the loss of your wonderful Kelly with all of our hearts. I am lucky to have many happy memories of her from the times I spent in your home in Bloomfield and the trip that Mike and I took to L.A. years ago; those moments will always endure. My wife Amy and I send you all of our love and support.
Your friend, Christopher Davis

Douglas Wright

January 2, 2008

I, like Paul, am stunned at this news and deeply saddened. Dr. Ferguson, my condolences & prayers go out to you, Diane and Michael. I will keep close to me fond memories of Kelly and of the time I spent with all of you some 20 years ago. May God bless you all and give you strength. Please accept my deepest sympathies. - Douglas -

Anne & Dan Olson

January 2, 2008

Dear Diane and Bob:
I don't know what to say. . . my sympathy seems vain. She was your beautiful baby and daughter. My heart goes out to you.
- Anne and Dan Olson

Ed & Lauren Curran

January 2, 2008

Dear Dr. & Mrs. Ferguson, and Michael,

I was so sad to hear of Kelly's death. It doesn't seem so long ago we were all playing hockey on the pond behind your house. Cherish the fond memories of Kelly during this difficult time for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sharon Wilson

January 2, 2008

We got to know Kelly a few months ago when she started walking our dog. It was immediately apparent that she was a wonderful and incredibly caring person. We were shocked and very saddened to hear of Kelly's passing and will keep your family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.

- Sharon Wilson and Michael Purdy

Jane

January 1, 2008

Kelly probably didn't know my name, but she always knew my dogs' names. I knew nothing of her accomplished past before reading her death notice, but as a fellow dog lover in the Glover Park community, she was part of our world. Cairo and Congo and I will miss her.

Kyra (Witt) Wouters

December 31, 2007

Dear Dr. and Mrs. Ferguson,
I am so sorry to hear about Kelly's passing. It's just hard to get my mind around. I will always remember our times together as kids, especially in Jr. High writing "Only the Shadow Knows..." Such sad news to start the new year.

Pat & Ed Curran

December 31, 2007

Bob, Diane & Michael,
We are terribly saddened by the news. There are so many memories of Kelly. Metacomet: Kelly and Eddie as Raggedy Ann and Andy. High School: Kelly in the band on her flute and later on the saxophone.Family get-togethers with all the children. Outings at the beach in Rhode Island.These happy memories are the best way to remember her.

Sheila Hegy

December 31, 2007

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson and Family,
I was one of Kelly's first cat sitting customers, and our relationship continued until her untimely, tragic death. My Siamese cat and I were both very fond of Kelly. She had a warm heart and provided a warm substitute lap for my cat when I was gone, not just a bowl of food and water. We will miss her very much and offer our heartfelt condolences.

Jennifer (Rosen) Donnelly

December 30, 2007

Dear Diane and Bob,
it is difficult to find the right words, I feel very saddened by the news. I haven't thought of Kelly in many years, but as I do now, so many memories come flooding back. Many years of my childhood were filled with times with Kelly, and all of them were happy times. We sure did have a lot of fun together. You have my deepest sympathy.

Erik Zars

December 30, 2007

Dear Fergusons:
One of my closest friends in High School was Kelly: we shared laughs, acedemics, and a wonderful friendship. Her passing is very hard to grasp and I pray that someway you can come to terms with the loss. God bless your whole clan...
With Sympathy,
Erik A. Zars

Peggy Stanwood

December 30, 2007

We were shocked and saddened by news of Kelly's death. One of my lasting memories of Sharon Road is a family room full of beloved pets and Kelly responding to each of them. Our deepest condolences to you and Bob.

Bob and Peggy Stanwood

Ray & Patti Skalinski

December 30, 2007

Dr. Ferguson & Family:

So sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Raymond & Patti Skalinski

Cheryl Crumpton

December 29, 2007

Dear Dr. and Mrs. Ferguson,

We are so sorry for your loss. When we lived in Glover Park, Kelly cared for our dog and cats like they were her own, and they loved her. Her kindness and warm heart will truly be missed.

May peace be with you.
Cheryl Crumpton and Matt McAdam

Susan (Schmid)Tracey

December 29, 2007

Dear Dr. and Mrs. Ferguson and Mike,
I am so sorry for your loss. We had some nice times together on Sharon Rd. with your family and Kelly always amazed me with her intelligence and talent. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Karen Goodman (Rosen)

December 29, 2007

Dear Diane and Bob,
It was with such intense sadness that I read about Kelly in the Hartford Courant. I can't imagine what you must be going through. I think about your family often and of the wonderful times our families shared in Bloomfield. Kelly was such a wonderful and bright young girl. She seemed to have grown into a special and caring woman.
Please accept my deepest condolences.

Stan, Marcia. Matt. Adam & Josh Walker

December 28, 2007

Dear Diane, Bob & Mike,

We extend our deepest sympathy to you during this difficult time.

Marjorie Becker

December 28, 2007

Dear Diane,Bob and Michael....we are so sorry for your loss. We have such fond memories of our times together on Barn Hill Road. Please know that we are thinking of you all at this very sad and difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Midge and Dolph Becker

Peggy Probst

December 28, 2007

Dr. and Mrs. Ferguson,

Kelly was one of the first friends that Hope and I made at Tunlaw Gardens, and she opened her very big heart to us from the beginning. It was mutual 'love at first sight' for the two of them, and Hope was so excited to see her every time - even if it had been just 15 minutes. We were very lucky to have her in our lives. I'm so very sorry. Peggy

Jeff Bernstein

December 28, 2007

My heart goes out to the Ferguson family. I am so sorry for your tragic loss. She will always be happily remembered not only as a bright and accomplished individual, but also as a pretty darn good flutist!

Kris Allison

December 28, 2007

Kelly Will be missed by Many of her two and four legged friends in DC

Rachel Schwartz

December 28, 2007

Dr. and Mrs. Ferguson,

Please accept my condolences. Kelly truly loved all the dogs of Glover Park and never hesitated to call out to and love up my dog, Bella. We will miss her smile. I am so sorry for your loss.

Rachel

Stuart Lacher

December 28, 2007

All of my sympathy goes out to the entire Ferguson family.

Sheila Marks

December 28, 2007

Diane, Bob and Mike,

We were terribly saddened to hear of your loss of Kelly, and our hearts go out to you.

May her memory be for a blessing.

Bob and Sheila Marks

Paul Croteau

December 28, 2007

I'm stunned, it's very hard to find words at the moment... So many memories are flooding my brain right now. This has been a tough year for me; I've lost two other friends and a beloved aunt. Let this unpleasant news serve as a reminder to the fragile place we all hold here on Earth. My thoughts and prayers go out to Diane, Bob and Mike as well as all of our Bloomfield friends.

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