Mary Eleanor Ferguson

Bridge is a complex card game which exemplifies planning, adaptability, dedication, trust, resilience, and, above all partnership. For family and friends of Mary Eleanor Ferguson, a lover and life-long player of Bridge, it is fitting in how this game helps to provide an example of the person we loved and who, for so many years, shared laughter, guidance, and loving support with us.

Mary Eleanor Ferguson of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, passed away on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026, at the age of 93. She is survived by her husband Nelson, daughter Heather, son John, and grandson Zachary (Wee Mannie). Our hearts are heavy, but our celebration of her life will be ongoing. We might not get to hear her exasperated voice exclaim “Oh Nelson”, or “Oh Heather”, or “Oh John” while calling us out for something we said or, in her mind, something we did wrong, but that caring and corrective voice will always ring out with warmth and love in our hearts and in our heads. Of course, not that any of us ever did anything wrong.

Mary didn’t like to talk much. Boy, are we kidding about that one! She loved to talk. A mutual and highly enjoyable conversation with Mary was not an unusual thing for family, friends, and even strangers. She loved to socialize, loved people, and seemed to be able to remember everyone who crossed her path - including all the important details about their life. Her knowledge of people and family history will be greatly missed - especially by Nelson, who will have to write everything down now.

Her love and dedication to family and people was exemplified in so many ways. If you had Mary as a friend, then you had a friend for life. If you were among the many people who attended a Ferguson family house party, then you know how Mary loved to entertain and socialize. The household was known for parties both small and large - from intimate friendship times to larger gatherings of 75 or more. Nobody left hungry or without drink. Some might have left with too much drink, but, after all, they were Ferguson parties.

Nelson’s work involvement in national and international organizations provided both of them with experiences and relationships with people from all across the gambit of life - from Nelson’s students to presidents of organizations, knighted officials, and all in between. Mary didn’t care if a guest had the title “Sir” in front of their name or no title at all. Everyone was equal and the same to Mary because the Ferguson household and her friendship meant a safe and welcoming space.

Her dedication to her husband, Nelson, and their 70 years of married life together was deeply shown in their early days as he studied and was establishing his career. To support Nelson during his university years, Mary maintained a work position and career which spanned two continents - from Canada (coast to coast) and Nelson’s homeland of Scotland where he studied and they lived for over six years. She did so lovingly and that support continued throughout their life together.

She, more often than not, played a huge role in Nelson’s many musical endeavours. From bands, to orchestras, to rehearsals and concerts, Mary was there in attendance. While part of the reason was to support Nelson and the music, we also think it was because she just loved engaging and connecting with people in all sorts of ways.

Throughout her life she loved involvement, trying new things (from pottery class to cooking classes and all things in between), travel, exercise, she was an avid reader, heavily into volunteerism (John and Heather’s sports organizations, school libraries, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and so many more). She was a huge supporter of various charities and deeply saw the immense work and benefit they bring to the world.

Mary was one of the main caregivers within her immediate family and larger family in general. No matter the family member, she was always there to connect, especially in times of need, and often played the role of a gentle and guiding hand to plan, organize, and deal with the final details of the many family members who passed on before her.

To put 93 years of a life well lived and loved into a few paragraphs is an excruciatingly difficult task. For that reason, we plan to celebrate her life with family and friends at a later date and location still to be determined. It won’t quite be a full-fledged Ferguson house party, but it will come close. Expect stories, music by family and friends, laughter, maybe some tears, and most definitely lots of the socializing that Mary loved.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held on Wednesday, June 10 at 2pm at the Mic Mac AAC, 192 Prince Albert Rd, Dartmouth, NS, in the Aquatic Room.