Arlene C. Ferguson

Arlene Cordelia (Dewalt) Ferguson, 87, of Coventry, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2012 at Windham Hospital. Born October 23, 1924 in Danville, PA, Arlene was one of eight children who grew up in the Danville/Riverside community. Traveling east following graduation, she met and married Dudley Ferguson, her loving husband from 1947 to 1988. Arlene and Dud set up residence in Coventry where Arlene lived for over 60 years. She was a proud professional homemaker, and mother of four children. She was a long time active member of the First Congregational Church of Coventry, participating in Friendly Circle and other church activities. She was renowned for her baking and particularly her apple pies. For many years Arlene was an election poll worker, a volunteer at the Coventry Thrift Shop, and a card playing regular at the Coventry senior citizen center. Arlene was an avid sports fan and a long time follower of UConn women's basketball. She loved to travel, especially out west, and visit with family. Arlene will be forever remembered by all who knew her for her giving and smiling personality. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Dorothy Dewalt, her brothers Kenny, Jack, Don, and Marlin, her husband Dudley Edward Ferguson, and her daughter Valerie. She is survived by her twin sister Adelene Stoddard, her sisters Elsie Kimball, and Carol Wyland; son and daughter in-law Gary and Lisa Ferguson (of Ithaca, NY), son Glenn Ferguson (of Coventry, CT), and daughter and son in-law Elaine and Keith Messmer (of Helena, MT); and five grandchildren- Eleanor (Ferguson) Nickras, Nancy Ferguson, Marion Ferguson, Keri (Messmer) Melvin, and Ryan Messmer. Her family will receive friends on Friday August 3, 2012 from 10:30am to 11:00am prior to the funeral service beginning at 11:00AM at First Congregational Church of Coventry, 1171 Main St., Coventry. Interment will follow in Grant Hill Cemetery, Coventry. Memorial donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Coventry, P.O. Box 355, Coventry, CT. 06238. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .