Niantic — Evelyn Ferguson, 83, died peacefully at home in Niantic on July 30 after a long illness that weakened her body but never her spirit.

Evelyn’s professional life reflected her belief that education opens doors for students to pursue their dreams. After graduation from Mount Holyoke College, Evelyn began her career as a teacher of Religion at Chatham Hall in Virginia. In 1966, she earned a Master of Arts in Religion from Yale Divinity School, then began work as a teacher and counselor at the Connecticut State Farm and Prison for Women. Evelyn’s long career in the Middletown schools began in 1973 when, desiring to play a role in preventing people from entering prison, she became a classroom teacher. In 1988, wishing to gain the skills and a position to address the difficult issues she saw her students confronting, Evelyn earned her social work degree. She completed her career in education as a school social worker, employed in Middletown from 1989 until her retirement in 1998.

Evelyn married John Ferguson in 1986. Together they loved to travel to visit family and friends, host neighborhood potlucks and explore New England. They dearly loved their “second home,” a pop-up camper that they took to Cape Breton for 23 years where they made lasting friends that they joined every year for ceilidhs and meals. Evelyn said these trips were a happy reminder of “how much we can do without.”

At home in Niantic, Evelyn lived a life of service. She served a term as Moderator of the Southern New England Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church and spent countless volunteer hours at a charter school, Heifer Project International, Twin Haven, Habitat for Humanity, and tutoring refugees. Evelyn was a tireless fundraiser for Mount Holyoke College and loved reunions with her Class of 1959.

Evie, as she was fondly known, was a shining example of servant leadership and grace in how she lived, even in the challenging final months of her life. Always a great listener who prioritized others over herself, she gave boundless love and support to family, friends, and organizations that could make a difference in people’s lives. In her own words, “My hope is that there will be greater justice and peace for all who share this world.”

Evelyn was possessed of a quiet strength that surfaced in all she did. While often serious, she had a ready laugh and a sharp sense of humor. She will be very much missed as a loving family member who never forgot a birthday or important milestone and as a woman of strong convictions who lived her faith.

Evelyn was predeceased by her mother Evelyn Horger Ramsdell; her father Robert W. Ramsdell; her stepmother Nellie Clarke Ramsdell; and her brother Bob Ramsdell. Evelyn is survived by her husband John Ferguson; sisters, Carolyn Ramsdell McMullin, Ann Ramsdell Midkiff; and beloved nieces and nephews and their families.

A service will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 28, at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Groton. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Crossroads Presbyterian Church.

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