Elma H. Ferguson, a longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away quietly and unexpectedly on December 23 while sitting in her favorite chair and finishing her morning coffee, surrounded by her loving caregiver of 16 years, Elena, her devoted cat Lily, and Christmas cards from friends. She was 89. During a life well lived, full of adventure, travel and hometown involvement, Elma began her world odyssey in the 1970s, and visited many parts of our vast planet. Two of her most treasured journeys were Egypt with her husband Grant, and an African safari on her own. However, it was at home, and in the Palisades, shared with her loving partner Grant, her Westies and her cat, that Elma really smiled. Friends and the frequent correspondence and contact made life meaningful for her. Never one to turn down a challenge, Elma loved the bridge group at the Woman’s Club. The weekly fellowship and intellectual demands helped keep her young at heart. In California, the automobile often describes the person, so seeing an 80-plus woman moving around town in a PT Cruiser with the license UENJOY provided a life lesson rarely lost on the observer. Vibrant to the end, elegant and humble, Elma loved opera, golf, the theater, collecting and, most especially, being a friend. She will be missed by her condominium neighbors, animal lovers and their caregivers, bridge partners, lay Eucharistic ministers, and countless others. One friend said it best: ‘She was my best friend, and if you knew her she was probably yours too.’ A memorial service with be held for Elma on Saturday, January 8, at 10 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 1031 Bienveneda. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made payable to St. Matthew’s Church/Attn. Ferguson Fund.
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