Clara (Heffernan) Ferguson

Clara Heffernan Ferguson, 98, passed away on Friday, May 12, 2023, surrounded by her family.  Born Clara Belle Heffernan, in Chicago on August 28, 1924, to Vincent J. and Hazel B. Heffernan, she was raised in Chevy Chase, MD, from the age of 12, and spent most of her adult life in Canton and Hingham, MA.

Clara’s life shaped her to be an exceptionally strong and fiercely independent woman throughout her almost 99 years. Clara earned an economics degree from Cornell University in 1946 where she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority, played violin in the University Orchestra, and sang in the Newman Club Choir.  She married Joseph W. Ferguson in 1947 and moved to New England. After his untimely passing in 1961, she became a high school math and science teacher and spent her teaching career at Canton High School, Sharon High School, and the Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton. She earned her Master’s of Education degree from Bridgewater State University in 1976.  She moved to Linden Ponds in Hingham in 2004 where she remained very active in retirement. Clara continued to tutor in math, taught computer skills to residents, worked at the campus TV station, and played in the Linden Ponds recorder group for many years. In her retirement she also continued to pursue her lifelong passion for travel with friends and loved ones, and still loved to drive her Ford Mustang.

Clara is survived by her daughter Jeanne Ferguson, granddaughters Laura and Sandra Levis, daughter-in-law Christa Ferguson-Cooke, wife of beloved son Edward Ferguson d. 2000, granddaughter Kelly Ferguson, niece Susan Burnes and grand-nieces Pearl and Rebecca Leo, step-daughter Darlene Ostroff, and nephews and niece from her beloved brother James, d. 2019, David, Douglas, Alan, Thomas Heffernan and Peggy Kravitz, along with nephews and nieces on the Ferguson side. Her “adopted” family, the Veasey’s, especially the daughters of dear friend Thomas Veasey d. 2008, Carol and Janet Veasey, and Elaine Veasey-Mullin, will also miss her as one of their own.

Clara was greatly admired for her can-do attitude and strength in the face of life’s many challenges. She loved life, never wanted to leave it, and will be missed by family and friends.

Interment at Blue Hill Cemetery, 700 West Street, Braintree on Friday, May 19, 2023 at 11:30am. Those attending interment are kindly asked to gather at the Cemetery office at 11:20.  Interment to be followed by a wake and celebration of life at 1:30pm, at the Season’s Room, Derby Clubhouse, 203 Linden Ponds Way Hingham, light refreshments to follow. Friends and Family welcome to join any or all gatherings.

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