In Loving Memory ~
With great sadness in our grief, and immense gratitude for a beautiful life well lived, we mourn the loss of our dear Isabelle Mary Ferguson. She passed away peacefully on April 27, 2023 at 72 years of age.
She is survived by her wife and soulmate, Jane Wiebe, with whom she shared 40 years of extraordinary life, travels and adventure.
Isabelle was raised on a farm north of Rimbey, Alberta where her love of the land began. Her education, work, love and life's turns took her to New Zealand, Australia, back to Alberta, in Red Deer, Calgary, Pelican Point (at Buffalo Lake), and then to Nanaimo. She met life head-on with a firm sense of self, openly, and with the humour required to live fully engaged.
During her time in New Zealand and Australia she found a deeper appreciation for our world and its people, and she remarked that her experiences there had helped her grow her perspective on and her care for the world, its creatures, and its people. This caring perspective informed both her chosen career and her rich appreciation for the world as a large place of small, interconnected people and things.
Isabelle's career as a Registered Nurse was varied, largely focusing on mental health, those living with disabilities, and geriatrics. Isabelle's dedication to her work, and her ability to treat others with sincere respect and dignity, has touched thousands of lives, both those she cared for and those she worked alongside.
Isabelle's love of nature and advocacy for all creatures was a major theme throughout her life. Her passion for nature was expressed in many ways, always with a sense of reverence and love for the natural world.
With sensitivity and an intuitive design sense, Isabelle could turn an ordinary yard, a blank acreage or small patio into a blooming, thriving sanctuary.
Her care was also reflected in how she shared information about issues and concerns with creatures and environments in our oceans, forests, fields and everywhere in our fragile planet.
Much of Isabelle's life adventures were in the faithful companionship of Jane. Together they lived their overlapping careers helping others; their adventures in travel from motor home trips to distant places (China's exquisite gardens and art juxtaposed with primitive toilets were particularly memorable); in their laughter and joys together, and in their creation of beautiful spaces wherever they lived.
With Jane in mourning Isabelle's passing are daughter Stacy (Simon); honorary sisters Valerie and Carolyn; her extended family of Rose, Jack (Judy), Robert (Shelley), Sylvia (Carol and Jeff) and their families.
Isabelle was predeceased by her parents, Carman and Agnes Ferguson, her sister Rene Carruthers, brother Clifford Ferguson, and is survived by nephews Casey and Dean, Mike and Fred, cherished Aunt Coralie, numerous cousins, and treasured friends.
Flowers are gratefully declined. If you choose, donations may be made to: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada; Marmot Recovery Foundation; BCSPCA; or a charity of your choice.
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