Anna was the devoted wife of 44 years to the late Dr. B. Dan Ferguson. Anna is survived by her sons, Douglas and Scott Ferguson, and her daughters-in-law, Priscilla MacKenzie and Carolyn (“Lyn”) O'Conor-Ferguson. She is predeceased by her son, Stuart Ferguson, and her sisters, Lucy (Asadourian) Saxenian and Dolly (Asadourian) Heller. She is also survived by her stepdaughter, Bonnie Ferguson, and her step-granddaughter, Julianna Ferguson, as well as her Saxenian and Heller nieces and nephews, and numerous dear friends.
Anna grew up in Lowell and was the daughter of Armenian immigrants who became leaders in their community. As a child and teenager, Anna enjoyed music and studied piano. As an adult, she studied piano and received a degree from the Boston Conservatory of Music. She later took up the flute, along with her youngest son, Stuart. In addition to her musical talent, Anna was an accomplished seamstress. She enjoyed creating gorgeous wedding gowns and dresses for her friends and family, who relished her creativity and skill.
Anna attended Lowell High School and graduated from Tufts in 1946 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and a Master of Science in Molecular Chemistry in 1947. She was awarded a fellowship by Tuft’s that allowed her to study for her degree while she worked as an assistant in the chemistry department. Anna taught at Wellesley College from 1947 to 1949, and later worked at the Children’s Cancer Research Foundation doing research for the Jimmy Fund. She was an active member of the American Chemical Society and league of Women Voters. She published articles in several scientific journals during this time. Anna met Dan, a physician at the Joslin Clinic, in July of 1956, and they were married in April of 1957. Their first son, Douglas, was born in 1959 and, shortly afterwards, the Fergusons moved to Newton where Anna and Dan resided for the rest of their lives.
Anna was as a longtime member of the Massachusetts Medical Society Auxiliary, which is involved in many public health issues, and served as President from 1985-86. Anna was instrumental in helping to pass the seatbelt law in Massachusetts during that time. She was also active in many volunteer organizations, such as the Hai Guin Scholarship Association and the Jamaica Plain Tuesday Club, which owns the historic Loring-Greenough House and is responsible for its preservation. Anna served as President of the Club for three years and was a member of the Board of Trustees for many years. In her later life, Anna enjoyed spending time with her dog, Shuoni, and vacationing at her home in Barnstead, NH.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Anna’s life at a time and place to be announced in the future.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Anna’s memory may be made to the Jimmy Fund Research Foundation (http://www.jimmyfund.org/ways-to-give/memorial-and-tribute-gifts/).
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