Cecelia Barry Ferguson

Cecelia Barry Ferguson, 83, died Thursday, August 23, 2012. She was in the company of her beloved family at the time of her passing which included daughter Annie Ferguson Sumang, her husband Philip, their daughter Rachel as well as Cecelia’s son Richard Ferguson and his wife Chelsea.

Cecelia was preceded in death by her loving husband James “Jim” Richie Ferguson. The two were married June 30, 1962, in Hudson, New Hampshire. They met in New York City where she was employed as an accountant for the Atlantic Tea Company in Grand Central Station.

Born the eldest daughter to Jerome K. and Leona M. Barry on December 19, 1928, Cecelia was one of eight children. Her four older brothers were all WWII veterans, and each has preceded Cecelia in death, their names being Richard, Louis, Daniel and Jerome Barry. Cecelia also had 3 younger sisters, Leona Barry Rivera, Alix Barry Baker and Jeanne Barry. She is survived by Alix.

Cecelia graduated Magna Cum Laude from Saint Frederick’s Catholic High School in Pontiac Michigan in 1946. She then attended Michigan State University in East Lansing Michigan. She was employed by the world renowned architect Erro Saarinen. Later Cecelia entered a rewarding career in accounting working for General Motors Corporate Headquarters in Detroit.

In 1960 Cecelia relocated to New York to be with her sisters Alix and Leona, both serving as nurses in the U.S. Navy. In 1962, she met Naval Lt. Commander James Ferguson and were soon married. Pursuant to Jim’s new orders, the two relocated to Charleston South Carolina and they were blessed with the birth of their first child Annie Laurie in 1966. The family was transferred to Guantanamo Naval Base, Cuba before once again being transferred to US Naval Base – Riviera, Florida where they welcomed their second child Richard Ferguson.

Soon after, Jim retired from the navy and became city manager of Jupiter Island Florida. Wanting to further pursue his education, James relocated his family to Texas, receiving his Masters in Environmental Engineering at Texas A&M University. The family remained in Texas and Cecelia’s children, Annie and Richard, are also raising their children in Texas. Rachel Sumang, 13, the eldest granddaughter, enjoyed a very close bond with her grandmother. Cecelia was very involved with her granddaughter accompanying her to her gymnastic meets and dance performances. Rachel especially enjoyed the overnight visits and sleep overs with her grandmother, staying up talking late into the night and sharing silly stories and jokes. Cecelia was also devoted to her granddaughter Emily, 9, and grandson Gage, age 4. They looked forward to board games and book reading every time they visited. Cecelia was a wonderful grandmother and enjoyed every minute she spent with her 3 beautiful grandchildren.

Cecelia was a parishioner at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Houston, Texas. She was a prominent resident of The Terrace at Memorial City where she enjoyed many close relationships with many friends and residents. Cecelia is survived by her daughter Annie, Annie’s husband Phil Sumang, granddaughter Rachel Sumang, son Richard, his wife Chelsea, and their children Emily and Gage. Cecelia is also survived by her youngest sister Alix.

Family and friends will gather at a visitation from five until eight o’clock in the evening on Tuesday, the 28th of August, in the chapel of Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road, where a Vigil service, led by Deacon Don Bradley, will begin at seven o’clock. The Funeral Liturgy, celebrated by Reverend John E. Cahoon, will begin at eleven o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 29th of August, in the sanctuary of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc in Houston. The Rite of Committal will follow at Houston National Cemetery.