Reta (Barter) Ferguson

Reta Grace (Barter) Ferguson passed away peacefully at the Village Nursing Home in Campbellton, NB, on November 20th, 2017 at the age of 85. While Reta spent the final years of her life living with dementia, we remember her as the formidable woman and unforgettable teacher she was. Born in Grand Cascapedia in 1932, Reta was well loved by her parents, Percy and Florence Barter, and her siblings, Percy Jr. (deceased), Henry (Bud), Donn, Elsie, and Reid, as well as their spouses and children.

Reta and her dashing beau, Verne Ferguson, were married on December 28, 1954, and after many years of hoping, they finally had their only child, Margot. Reta loved the unruly Ferguson clan and her many nieces and nephews. When Verne passed away too soon in 1994, Reta was comforted and transformed by the arrival of her only granddaughter, Ellen Parker. At that point, Reta forever became “Giggy”, a role she embraced with joy. She took enormous pride in her girls’ many accomplishments.

Reta followed in her mother’s and grandmother’s footsteps as an educator at a time when it was uncommon for women to work outside the home. She began teaching in 1949 at the age of 17 in a one-room schoolhouse, with students older than herself. She retired in 1991 as Assistant Superintendent of the school board in Campbellton, having spent many years as Vice-Principal and Principal of Lord Beaverbrook School. Even toward the end of her life, Reta remembered “her kids”, referring to the 1000+ students she taught. She was also a tireless community volunteer, and a woman of faith and conviction.

We invite the many people who loved and admired Reta to join us in celebrating her life.

Funeral will be held at Maher’s Funeral Chapel, 64 Lansdowne St., Campbellton, on Friday, November 24th at 2:00 p.m. Burial to follow at Flatlands Rural Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at Maher's Funeral Home, 33 Lansdowne St., Campbellton, Thursday, November 23rd from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00, and Friday at the Chapel, from 1:00 p.m. until time of funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Flatlands Women’s Institute, Campbellton First United Baptist Church, Alzheimer Society, or a charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Maher’s Funeral Home, Campbellton.

(506)789-1699 or toll free (855) 404-1699 email: [email protected]