Donna J. Ferguson

Donna Jean Ferguson, age 84, passed away on July 3, 2018 at her home in Traverse City under the care of Hospice of Michigan and her life-long childhood friend Suzanne McAtee, thus ending her battle with cancer. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 42 years Donald A. Ferguson, and a brother Douglas Carl Hemstreet. She is survived by her sons Gregory Ferguson of Traverse City and Jeffrey (Carol) Ferguson of Lighthouse Point, Florida; grandsons Alexander Ferguson of Washington DC and Andrew Ferguson of Lighthouse Point; brother Robert Frank (Grace) Hemstreet of El Cajon, CA; her long-time friend Mark and her beloved poodle of 10 years Touché’; and, many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was born on October 8, 1933 in Muskegon to Carl Harvey and Winifred (Morse) Hemstreet. Donna was a graduate of Traverse City Central High School and went on to get her Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees from Michigan State University. She worked as an elementary school teacher in various parts of Michigan before returning to Traverse City in 1978. She and Don truly enjoyed their life in Traverse City especially spending time with friends on their boat. Donna loved attending social events, dining out with friends, traveling whenever she had the opportunity, and even just going for a drive. Friends and family were very important to Donna; she devotedly attended the monthly luncheon with her high school classmates at the Elks Club and faithfully visited her friends and classmates when they were ill. She always kept in touch with family and attended all family events whenever possible, including co-hosting the Morse family reunion with her cousin Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Carden for over 20 years. The Morse family members kept track of how Donna was doing through the Morse Facebook page which gave family health updates. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at the Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City. Visitation is at 10 a.m. with the service at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial contributions to the Cherryland Humane Society or the Hemophilia Society.

Donna J. Ferguson

October 8, 1933 - July 3, 2018