April 3, 1935 – October 9, 2026
Laurie Goodell Ferguson, 91, of Lake Oswego, Oregon, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2026, surrounded by her five children, their spouses, and other loved ones. In her final hours, she held hands with her beloved husband of 67 years, Harvey Joseph "Joe" Ferguson.
Laurie was born on April 3, 1935, in Multnomah County, Oregon, to Edward Stanley Goodell and Mary Alexander Goodell. She attended Riverdale Grade School and Lincoln High School before graduating from the University of Oregon in 1957 with a degree in education. While at Oregon, she was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and remained a lifelong Oregon Ducks sports fan.
On August 27, 1959, Laurie married Joe Ferguson. Together, they made their home in Lake Oswego on Chandler Road, where they lived for 55 years and raised their five children. Joe and Laurie became parishioners of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in 1959. All five of their children and 13 of their grandchildren attended OLL. Laurie and Joe celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary this past August with a gathering of many family members at The Springs Living, their home since 2019.
Laurie combined a tough exterior and strong personality with a warm and generous heart. Her home was always open to family and friends, and her countless Sunday dinners brought together extended family week after week. She had a quick wit and was even quicker to tell people to get out of her kitchen.
Laurie was always there for her children and grandchildren. Over the years, she attended hundreds of youth sporting events, school programs, and other activities, supporting and cheering them on throughout their lives.
Laurie worked as a substitute teacher and tutor. She was an indispensable employee of two family businesses, a devoted volunteer at many organizations and served on numerous boards. She was a longtime member of the Town Club and Waverley Country Club in Portland.
Laurie was an exceptional card player, an accomplished cross-stitcher and loved her crosswords. She also enjoyed tennis and golf. She maintained many close friendships throughout her entire life.
Laurie was preceded in death by her brother, Stan Goodell. She is survived by her husband, Joe; their five children and 17 grandchildren: Joseph Ferguson (Shery) and their children, Elise, Matt, Mary, and Jane; Mary Glass (George) and their children, Gordon, George, and Andrew "AJ"; Andrew Ferguson (Lisa) and their children, Ryan, Shannon, and Alex; Jean Herbst (Patrick) and their children, Mallory, Patrick, and Ronan; and Ted Ferguson (Susan) and their children, Teddy, Emily, Ennis, and Joe. Laurie is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren—and counting.
Laurie was cared for with love, dignity and grace by the wonderful people at The Springs Living and Tenderly Hospice.
A Rosary will be prayed on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Fisher Catholic Church in Portland, Oregon, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow immediately in the Parish Hall.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
