Mary Ellen Fergusson Woodstock passed away Friday September 8, 2023, in the loving arms of her family. Mary Ellen was born October 23, 1925, to John and Olive Sornbury of Otsego, where she spent 94 happy years as a loved resident of the Otsego and Plainwell communities with family and friends who supported her throughout her life. Mary Ellen spent the last 3 years of her life living near her family in Northern California.
Mary Ellen is survived by her daughter Laura (Kevin) Riddell, daughter in law Linda Fergusson, grandchildren Wendy (Sandy) White, Krista White, Tara (Jason) Sweet, Ryan (Alicia) Sweet, Heather (David) Fergusson Lincoln, and Mike Fergusson Jr., step grandchildren Tristan (Mary Cile) Riddell, Keath (Mary) Riddell, Shannon (Megan) Riddell, Jennifer Starbuck-VanVoorst, Denny Starbuck, Allison Starbuck, and her unofficially adopted family members; Will (Patsy) Kline and Karin (Nick) Breedveld. She is also survived by many great, and great great, grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews who she loved dearly.
Mary Ellen was preceded in death by Bob (Robert D) Fergusson, her husband of 50 years and Charles Woodstock, her husband of 12 years. She was also preceded in death by her children, Karen Sue Fergusson, Robert “Steve” Fergusson, and Michael John Fergusson Sr., and her special “sisters” Bella DuBois and Joyce Mills.
Mary Ellen retired from Allegan General Hospital; she worked at Stanford Lodge in Plainwell. She worked as a volunteer at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was a member of the Church of God in Otsego and Faith Chapel in Kalamazoo prior to her move to California.
Beyond the love of her family and friends, Mary Ellen loved ice cream, reading, gardening, road trips, sunbathing, fashion, coffee with friends, Michigan sports, and the Monterey Bay. Mary Ellen wished to express her affection and gratitude to the staff of Landmark Villa in Hayward, California for their loving care and support during this year.
Consistent with her wishes, cremation has taken place.
Friends and family will gather at 2pm on Friday, November 10, 2023 for burial of ashes at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.
Contributions in memory of Mary Ellen may be made to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue, 4669 Executive Dr. Portage MI 49002.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Rev. Joseph Maling
Heartfelt Condolences to the family of Mary Ellen. The peace of God be with you all through out your grieving process at the same rejoicing because of God’s promise that she is in loving care of our Father in heaven!
Laura
Thank you Paster Joseph. Thank you for your kind thought, words, and music during mom’s hospice care.
Emily Mills
To my second mom, thank you for loving me and treating me like one of your own kids my entire life. I’m so grateful for our special relationship and will treasure every memory. If I hear “Tab float” or see a button cookie or an ice cream cup, I’ll think of you. Love you always M.E. xoxo Em
Karin Breedveld
My deepest condolences to Laura and Mary Ellen’s family. Thank you for sharing her with me. Mary was so much more than the dearest friend over the last 35 years we knew each other. So many memories were happy ones and some of sadness. I called her my MI mom. She always hold a special place in my heart.
Heather m Lincoln
One of my favorite memories of my grandma was spending time with her chatting about her past. She would tell me stories of times when she grew up, the friends and the family she would spend time with, and fun times she shared. Grandma was a special person who always loved to participate in funny pictures, silly dress up moments, basically she liked to say yes to us and are silly requests. I will miss her deeply and can’t wait to see her again someday ✨ May all the fond memories we have of Grandma stay bright and fresh in our minds. May she rest in peace ️
Sandra Baca
My dear
My heart goes out to you all for the loss of your beautiful grand mother , I know how much she meant to all of you , I’m grateful to have known her too. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers … sending lots of love
Sandy
Wendy White
My ice cream, Detroit Tigers, novel reading, plant/flower loving, sun bathing, pool swimming, animal championing, fashion forward, loving grandmother, Mary Ellen, passed away, surrounded by us all holding her tight and loving her with all we had. The last three years here in Northern California have been an amazing gift that I will take with me always. Thank you grandma for loving me. – Your #1 granddaughter.
Jackie Friar
So sorry to hear of Mary Ellen’s passing. She was a very special lady. I have so many good memories with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you Laura and family. Love Jackie
Julie Orta
Our condolences to you all. May you be comforted by the many beautiful memories with Mary Ellen. Sending you all peace, strength and love.
Julie and Christi
Sandy
I loved Mary Ellen like my own grandma. I met her 28 years ago and we were fast friends ever since. She was fun, funny, wise, and wonderful. She might be the only one who truly supported Wendy and I. She loved my cooking which meant the world to me. We were also both sun bathers! So many great moments.
Mary Schuiteboer
Our sincere condolences to Wendy and the entire family. Such a beautifully written tribute to a life well lived. Sending hugs and prayers.