Barbara Dennison Ferguson, 96, a 57-year resident of Rye, passed away at her home on March 15, 2026.
She was born at home on Dec. 14, 1929, in Winchester, Mass., to Stanley D. Howe and Lillian P. (Fiske) Howe. She was a loving mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose warmth touched everyone around her.
Known for her bright spirit and quick wit, Barbara had a wonderful sense of humor and a touch of sarcasm that would appear just when you least expected it, bringing smiles to those who knew and loved her.
Barbara grew up in Winchester, a true New Englander and avid Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins fan. She earned her associate’s degree from Principia College in Elsah, Ill., in 1949. She continued her studies for two years at the Latin American Institute, New York, N.Y., earning a Diplomatic-Secretarial Degree in 1951.
Barbara took her first job at the opening of the United Nations in New York City, working as the secretary to the treasurer, primarily managing all the monies coming into the United Nations from its member states. She even attended the formal celebration in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in June 1953, hosted by the United Nations in New York, along with international officials. She left after five years to start a family.
While raising three children, when her youngest was five, she became a legal secretary in White Plains, N.Y., saving money for her future endeavors.
In her 60s, Barbara began a decade of fulfilling her wishes of traveling the world. Hawaii, the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and the fjords of Norway were some of the places she explored. After 33 years, she retired at age 75.
Barbara loved games of all kinds, especially bridge, which she played multiple times per week with eagerness and skill. She also never missed a day of the New York Times crossword and bridge hand, enjoying the challenge and the satisfaction it brought.
Barbara’s love of games extended to her family, where she spent time playing with her grandchildren and passing along not just the fun, but her strong sense of fairness. Whether it was canasta, Sorry or Yahtzee, she taught them that the true joy of games comes from playing fair and being together.
Barbara was a lifelong creator of personal needlepoint, crewel work, cross-stitch, and quilts. If one of her children moved into a new house, she’d stitch a home sampler as a gift that duplicated the home down to the finest details of color, windows, and landscaping.
Barbara is survived by her son John P. Ferguson, Jr. and wife Susan of Ridgefield, Conn.; her son William S. Ferguson and wife Carolyn of Naples, Fla.; and her daughter, Barbara Anne F. Wallace of Ridgefield, Conn. She is also survived by her grandchildren, John P. Ferguson, III and wife, Daniella Henry of West Simsbury, Conn.; Carolyn M. Fernandez and husband, Mark of New York, N.Y.; Kelly A. Ferguson of New York, N.Y.; Laura C. Ferguson of Cambridge, Mass.; Heather A. Wallace of Ridgefield, Conn.; Ian F. Wallace of Ridgefield, Conn.; great grandchildren, Luca and Theo; a sister, Mary L. Bergauer of Jacksonville, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. Barbara was preceded in death by her brother, David A. Howe of Littleton, Mass. and son-in-law, James A. Wallace of Ridgefield, Conn.
Affectionately known to her grandchildren as “Gram,” she will always be loved and missed. A private family memorial will be held at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Mass.
