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Patricia Ferguson Parslow
Patricia Ferguson Parslow
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Patricia Parslow Obituary
Closing the circle on a life lived with passion, grace and a deep commitment to social justice, education, the environment and the arts, Patricia Ferguson Parslow passed peacefully early Wednesday, March 26, at her Point Breeze home in the company of her family. Pat was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin in 1926 to the late John Wilfred Ferguson and the late Vada Patterson Ferguson. She was raised in Muskegon, Michigan, and later resided in Annapolis, Maryland and Boston, Massachusetts before finally settling with her beloved husband, the late Dr. Robert L. Parslow, and their 3 children in Pittsburgh in 1965. A Masters graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, she retired from a career in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, where she taught English at Morningside Elementary and was a guidance counselor at Belmar, Greenway and Westinghouse. Prior to her teaching career, she worked as a graphic designer, a newspaper "stringer" reporter for the Muskegon Chronicle and The Washington Post and as Education Director for the First Parish Unitarian-Universalist Church in Waltham, Massachusetts. Pat was a lifelong progressive Democrat who ran as an electoral delegate for the ground-breaking Presidential candidacy of African- American Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm in 1972. She was an early and avid supporter of Barack Obama for president. A champion of justice and the environment, she was a dedicated supporter of human rights and wilderness conservation. Pat possessed exceptional creative talent and produced beautiful works of graphic design, fabric arts, wooden furniture and stained glass as well as compelling poetry and prose. An enthusiastic patron of the Arts, she actively supported Pittsburgh's cultural institutions. She was an energetic traveler and lifelong student, pursuing adventure and continuing education throughout the US and on trips abroad with good friends and family. Fondly remembering and celebrating her life are her devoted children, Kerry Parslow and Becky (David) Aschkenas of Pittsburgh and Nick (Shari) Parslow of Saratoga Springs, New York, and her cherished grandsons, Meyer and Morris Aschkenas and Noah and Myles Parslow. She is also survived by her dear siblings, Jean Parker and Charles Ferguson of Michigan and Mary Kilian of New York, as well as many cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews who loved their "Aunt Patsy." A memorial service is planned for Sunday, April 6, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. at the Phipps Garden Center, 1059 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh. Interment will be private. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to: Amnesty International, The Nature Conservancy or the Forbes Hospice. Arrangements by H. SAMSON, INC. (412-621-2800)
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25 Entries
Frances Courtsal
April 5, 2008
Pat was a marvelous person - talented, original, creative, generous, cheerful, caring. The list could go on easily. We were so lucky to know her and her delightful, talented, original, etc., husband Bob!
She leaves a hole in our lives
Fras Courtsal
Donna Wren
April 4, 2008
Pat was a wonderful, joyful lady. I always looked forward to our visits. I send my sincere condolences to the family.
Jill (Cella) Campisi
April 3, 2008
I worked with Pat at Greenway Middle School. I knew the moment I met her she was a wonderful person.
We have kept in touch over the year's with birthday cards, because we share a birthday on September 11th. I will never forget her and keep all my special memories of her in my heart. Rest in peace Pat for a person that made a difference in a lot of lives including mine.
Pat and husband Bob broadcast a radio show, "Parslow Bylines", in Annapolis, MD, in 1949
April 2, 2008
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Pat at 16, in Muskegon, Michigan. She was a pretty good ice good skater back in the day.
April 2, 2008
Patsy with Grandpa Patterson on the Wisconsin farm. Grandpa said "She's a funny little girl-- she'll run right under a horse to get away from a chicken!" (they had a mean rooster that scared her.)
April 2, 2008
two-year-old Patsy on her Grandpa Patterson's farm in Wisconsin.
April 2, 2008
Patsy at 11. She loved this little yellow dress with brown trim so much so later recreated it as dresses for two dolls she passed on to her nephew Tom's young daughters.
April 2, 2008
The Ferguson girls, Pat (Parslow), Jean (Parker) and Mary (Kilian) )
April 2, 2008
Pat with daughters Becky and Kerry camping in Ontario. Pat fitted our old station wagon with custom window screens so the girls could sleep in the back while Mom and Dad stayed in the old green canvas tent. Car trips and camping were favorite vacations.
April 2, 2008
Pat holding baby Kerry at Bob's graduation from St. John's College, Bob's mother Margaret Parslow at right. Pat worked as a reporter for the Washington Post and also hosted a radio show while they were living in Annapolis.
April 2, 2008
Patricia Ferguson and Robert Parslow as newlyweds in 1947. They stayed in Muskegon, Michigan, until Bob entered St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1948.
April 2, 2008
1968, Pat graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelors in Education from the University of Pittsburgh and daughter Kerry graduates from high school. Pat would go on to get her Masters in Counseling and a career in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
April 2, 2008
Pat with her parents, Vada and Wilfred Ferguson and daughters Kerry and Becky, on the "gazebo" overlooking the Mohawk Valley at the "house on the hill" in Scotia, NY, in 1955
April 2, 2008
The happy young "hipsters" (note Dad's dungarees and the bobby sox), Christmas 1950 at St. John's College, Patsy, husband Bob and baby Kerry.
April 1, 2008
Walter and Peg Albert
April 1, 2008
We join with Pat's other Meade Street neighbors in expressing our sadness at her passing and our joy in a life so well lived.
Sue, Earl, Cindy & Sarah Danielson
March 31, 2008
Earl and I each met Mrs. Parslow only once or twice, but the beautifully written obituary wonderfully paints a picture of a creative, talented and hard-working woman whose contributions have influenced and impacted many throughout her very full and active life. Although we did not have the pleasure of knowing Pat personally, I (Sue) enjoyed the friendship of her daughter Kerri many years ago, and we have been longtime friends with Becky and David . We are so sad for your loss. Praying for God's comfort to Becky and David and family, Nick and Shari and family, and all of Pat's relatives...that the presence and help of friends and family will bring some comfort during this time. I'm sorry I can't attend the service next Sunday, but I hope that Earl and (my brother) Steven can be with you as you remember and honor her.
John Jensen
March 31, 2008
I had the good fortune to meet Patsy as a guest in her home when I was visiting her daughter Kerry several years ago. What a wonderful woman! I wish I could have gotten to know her better. My thoughts and prayers are with Kerry and the rest of the family during this time.
Gina Brown
March 31, 2008
Aunt Patsy: we love you and will miss you. You brought a special spark to everything you did and to all of us who were part of your life. Love, Christy and Packy Brown
Gina and Pete Brown
Bob and Lou LaFollette
March 30, 2008
Pat came into our family (the Travers) over 60 years ago. She is one of the most positive persons we have ever known and was always a joy to be near. We are deeply saddened at her death. Our heartfelt sympathy to Kerry, Becky and David, Nick and Shari and the grandchildren.
Patsy and sister Jean, September 2006
March 30, 2008
Patsy and daughter Becky at grandson Morris' high school graduation, June 2007
March 30, 2008
Arlene Stromberg
March 28, 2008
Pat was a wonderful woman, a steadfast worker and a true contributor. We worked together on the Funeral Consumer Alliance and her ideas and energy motivated everyone who worked with her.
She will be missed but long remembered.
Deepest Sympathy on your loss.
Fred and Jean Fleischauer
March 28, 2008
Fred and I send our sympathy to Pat's family for their loss. She will be missed.
Bill Nay
March 28, 2008
Wishing you wonderful thoughts of your mother during this time. You and your family are in my prayers.
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