Jacqueline Ferguson

An early hardship would influence her life. While in High School, Jackie Mayer was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. Surgeons removed her thyroid gland and surrounding tissue. The surgery was a success. The experience reinforced Jackie's desire to enter the field of nursing.

Upon graduating from High School in Great Neck, New York, Jackie joined her older sister Alice at the Mt. Sinai Hospital School of Nursing, from which she graduated in 1962. Jackie worked hard at her studies, with occasional breaks to attend dances and other social outings on weekends. It was while attending one such dance that a handsome cadet from the nearby Merchant Marine Academy caught her eye. She and that cadet, John David "Dave" Ferguson, were married in 1963.

The remainder of the 1960s she spent working as a Registered Nurse - both at various hospitals and also as a Visiting Nurse in her hometown of Great Neck. She also expanded her family at this time; two sons - John (b. 1966) and James (b. 1968).

Jackie had a thirst for knowledge, and wanted to take her Nursing to the next level. Becoming a Nurse Practitioner was not going to be easy. NPs require both undergraduate and graduate degrees to qualify. Through persistence and help from family and friends she succeeded.

Enrolling at the State University of New York in Stony Brook, Jackie spent the next decade commuting 40 miles each way to attend classes, while also working part time at the Merchant Marine Academy infirmary to help make ends meet. Her Bachelors of Science was awarded in 1974, and her Masters of Science, Nurse Practitioner specializing in Mental Health Care in 1979.

In 1978 Jackie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. A period of depression set in that Jackie would wrestle with for the rest of her life. She fought it the only way she new how, by taking action. Jackie worked as a Nurse Practitioner as long as she was physically able. Starting in the 1980s, she volunteered her time with the local chapter of the MS Society at North Shore Hospital in Manhasset, New York, and served as Chapter President from 1990 - 1999. She wrote an article "Helping an MS Patient Live a Better Life" which was published in the December 1987 edition of RN magazine.

Over the same time period, she worked with her husband to send their two children to college, and also helped grow their family business to such an extent that they were able to sell it and begin a well-earned early retirement in the 1990s.

As Jackie's physical condition deteriorated, she and Dave knew that they needed help. Dave had been "her rock" over the years - caring for her through good times and bad. However, given her condition and Dave's bad back, his ability to be sole caregiver to Jackie was becoming increasingly difficult. Jackie and Dave relocated to the Shell Point Retirement Community in Ft. Myers, Florida in 2001. Shell Point is a marvelous community, with the extensive support resources that Jackie and Dave would need to enjoy a happy and active retirement.

After getting her bearings, Jackie started volunteering at Shell Point in multiple capacities, with the most notable being her role as Founder and Presenter of a class called "The Anatomy of Words." The focus of this class is to understand the etymology of words. It was a natural progression for Jackie's inquisitive mind.

Living in Florida also opened up a world of travel opportunities given their proximity to all the major cruise lines, which have outstanding programs and facilities for disabled passengers. Jackie and Dave were able to see the world, including cruises to Europe, Central and South America, South Pacific, the Caribbean, and other locales. Their last cruise was for 30 days in March 2012.

In 2005 Breast Cancer required Jackie to have a double mastectomy, a procedure she herself recommended due to her medical history. Shortly before her death due to complications of MS, Jackie was still making suggestions regarding her treatment to the doctors. To the end - Jackie was a Nurse.

Funeral Services are scheduled for Saturday, July 21st, 2012 at Hodges - Lee Memorial Park, 12777 State Road 82, Fort Myers, Florida, 239-334-4880. Viewing begins at 10am, Funeral Service at 11am. There will be an informal reception on the premises immediately following the funeral.

Family, friends and acquaintances who knew Jackie are requested to write a brief note and/or send a photo to share a memory of her, and send to the attention of John Ferguson, 22 Vine Avenue, San Anselmo, CA 94960. Her children will be creating a memory book of Jackie's life.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park.