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Pauline died peacefully, on January 10th at Ed’s House Hospice in Cobourg, after a determined fight with a long illness. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Max Ferguson, and is survived by her dear son Tony, who cared for her with great love during her last days. She is also survived by her siblings, Trina McQueen, Bill Janitch and Clifford Janitch; by her niece Jennifer McQueen, and by her Ferguson step-children Scott, Nancy, Anne, Nonie and Bill. She leaves many other relatives and friends, and her immediate family is grateful for their many kindnesses and good wishes.
Pauline was born in Belleville, Ontario and grew up there, spending her summers at the family cottage in Prince Edward Country. She graduated from Glendon College at York University, with a determination to make the world better, which never left her. She worked for the Fourth Estate newspaper in Nova Scotia, the Company of Young Canadians, and worked with a Biafran relief group. She then joined CBC Radio as a producer of “As It Happens” for 10 years, and remained a devout fan of CBC radio for the rest of her days.
She married Max in 1978, and shortly before Tony was born, the family moved to Grafton, and later to Fraserville, just south of Peterborough, and Cobourg, where they entertained often, raised a series of disobedient dogs, and often spent summers in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. She made a new career in education communications, working at Northumberland School Board, and Fleming College.
Max died in 2013, and Pauline continued to live in Cobourg. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends, expeditions and book clubs with her ‘gal pals’ and attending arts events. She was a member of the University Women’s Club and served on the Board of Directors of the Cobourg Library and, for several years, oversaw a weekly film event at the Cobourg Library. She was a woman with strong opinions, great kindness, and an infectious laugh. She achieved her ambition to make the world better by being in it.
Donations can be made to Ed’s House Hospice or the Literary Review of Canada.
A celebration of life is tentatively planned for this summer.
I worked with Pauline on As It Happens many years ago, and we saw each other occasionally afterward, usually for lunch in Toronto. It was always such a treat to see her. She was so kind and curious about the world, always listening and always having such fascinating things to say. I loved her laugh, and can still hear it as I think of her. My deepest sympathies to Tony. We never met but she always spoke of you so very proudly. Condolences as well to the rest of the family. Wishing you strength and peace.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Dear Tony, please accept my sympathies upon the loss of your mother. Pauline was an extraordinary woman; she radiated energy and kindness. I knew her in her role as the communication officer with the school board, and, of course, as your lovely Mum. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Literary Review of Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
I was so sorry to hear about Pauline's passing. During my time as CEO of the Cobourg Public Library Pauline gave tirelessly of her time, energy and intellect to provide library patrons with a wonderful film program. Pauline did not merely choose and put on films, she researched every one and provided insightful and thoughtful commentary about every one. In honour of Pauline's contributions to the Cobourg Library she was chosen for our inaugural Volunteer of the Year Award. Her kindness, warmth and hearty laugh will be missed by many, many people including me. My deepest sympathy to Tony and to all the family.
I'm so sorry to hear this news. I did not have the good fortune to know Pauline well, but the times I met her (through working with Max) she was unfailingly warm and gracious, and had such a spark. My condolences to her family.
Dear Tony, Family & Friends of Pauline, I am very sorry to learn this news. My deepest condolences. I worked with Pauline at CBC Radio "As It Happens." She was an amazing colleague and extremely supportive when I became her executive producer. She was a key, very funny & assiduous member of a terrific team. It was always wonderful to see her occasionally in Cobourg in recent years. Take care, James
Sincere condolences to Tony, Trina & other members of Pauline’s family. I was fortunate in enjoying Pauline’s friendship for well over a decade - a new friend & kindred spirit later in life. Pauline was definitely a bright light: intelligent, informed, kind & great company. She had a wonderful smile & an infectious laugh, and she was, & is, very dear to me. I’ll miss Pauline a great deal but always remember our good times & countless conversations with thanks.
Dear Tony, Please accept my deepest sympathies upon the passing of your Mom. I had the pleasure of working with Pauline in communications at the school board (s). We shared many laughs together and I subsequently interacted with her in her role at Fleming. Your Mom was super smart and principled – and followed her own moral compass throughout her career. The last time she and I talked was about your transition to Ottawa. She was so pleased to watch you begin your career. Pleased to connect with you via Linkedin. I am very sorry for your loss. With sympathies, Don C. Cumming Ottawa
Dear Pauline, We haven't known each other very long (maybe 4 or 5 years?) or very well, given how careful you are about revealing yourself to others, but I want you to know that as I did get to know you, that I grew to admire your intelligence, your sense of humour, your curiosity, your careful decision-making, your loyalty. I found myself thinking about you on my walk this morning and hoping that there is a heaven and that when you get there, Max will be waiting for you. Love, Heather
Living on Walton Street, just a few doors south of the Janice-Ferguson residence it was hard not to meet both, particularly Max who was so recognizable because of his history with the CBC, and then Pauline who I got to know through my wife's work as a manager at the Cobourg Public Library. Knowing them as I did, as a neighbour, through an exchange of greetings on the street, an occasional exchange of views, represents the best of small town life. Pauline had much to give and in my experience did so willingly. My condolences to the family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
It was a pleasure and a privilege to have known Pauline. She is someone whom I admire and for whom I have a great deal of respect. I will always remember and appreciate her friendship and fellowship, her wonderful laugh and her wonderful hospitality.
So sorry to hear of Pauline’s passing. I knew her when she worked for the board of education. She was bright, insightful, a delight to know. And, who doesn’t hear her laugh when thinking of her!
Sincere condolences on the loss of your mother Tony. She and I both attended Moira Secondary School in Belleville and my wife’s father,Ernie Matter, an engineer at Stephens Adamson worked with her father Tony.The Janitch and Matter families were also personal friends.
I only met Pauline briefly in August. At that short meeting I could sense the kindness of her spirit. May she rest in peace.
On behalf of the Cobourg Library Board, I would like to extend our sympathy to Pauline’s family. She was a valued member of our team from 2015 to 2019, and we appreciate the many contributions that she made to our library (as evidenced by the library’s Volunteer of the Year award that she received in 2009). Her insightful questions, thoughtful opinions and hearty laugh will most certainly be missed.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Tony, I'm so sorry for the loss of your Mother. Condolences to your entire family. She has a beautiful story :) As tough as the last few months have been, I'm sure she cherished all the time you both had together. I think she would have got along great with my mom - she was on a school board, library board, and part of a book club too! I have no doubt in my mind that they've started one already and are already halfway through their first book ;) I wish you strength in the days going forward. Many of us back here are thinking of you, miss you, and are here for you.
Dear Tony and family, I met you only once or twice and your mother only a few times but my mother (deceased) knew your mother very well here in Cobourg for many years. I wish you our sincere condolences on your mother's passing. Your mother and mine had many things in common with their love of books and their service to/in third world countries, and their family roots near Belleville. I will treasure my memories of their friendship.
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Janice .. I met Janice when we were both members of CFUW in Cobourg .. she led the political discussion group for a few years and her knowledge of current events with a particular emphasis on politics was remarkable ...she was a lovely person and hosted many meetings at her big beautiful house offering many flavours of her favourite teas .. she will be greatly missed .. may she rest in peace and be reunited with her beloved husband
Pauline had a way of putting one at ease. I always enjoyed our time spent together, our conversations and I loved her laugh. She always brought a smile with her. I knew that I always had a kindred spirit with me when with Pauline. I thank her for her love and many conversations we had. Tony, I know how proud your Mom was of you, her face lit up when spoke of you. Please know you are in my thoughts.
Pauline was my step grandma but I never felt the term step was ever necessary. This Christmas was very odd not going to her house and having long talks over a lovely lunch. Truly will miss seeing your smile and hearing her laugh. She was a kind woman and always willing to get the family together even after my Baba (Max) was gone. I know I speak for my brothers and cousins... we will miss you! We know you are finally at peace in Baba’s arms. Love you!
Pauline's smile and laugh was always able to liven up a gathering, but what I remember most, was her quiet Goodness. Pauline loved deeply and was loved by many. Tony to you and your Family, my Deepest, Heartfelt Sympathies. I am left with an image of Max and Pauline sitting together again. It has brought me comfort and I share this image, in hopes, that it may offer you some small sense of comfort. Hugs
Dear Tony and family, We were so sad to hear news of your Moms illness and passing. Please know we have you in our prayers and thoughts. Our sincerest sympathy... Carolyne and David Broderick
I worked with Pauline at the Board of Education. She was a lovely lady, both professionally and personally. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences to her family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Tony, My sincere condolences to you and your familly over the loss of your mother.
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother, Tony. What a beautiful obituary for an obviously very special woman. May her legacy bring you some comfort in your grief.
My deepest sympathy to Pauline’s family. She was my friend, and I will miss her tremendously. I will miss that infectious laugh, those wonderful conversations, our lunches. She did indeed make the world better by simply being in it.
Tony, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was an amazing woman. We first met when you came to Cook’s School Day Care as a toddler and over the years our paths crossed many times. We shared a number of passions and I will miss her perspectives. Take care and know she was admired and loved by many. Kim
I remember Pauline with wonderful memories, as she and I were part of the group of people doing Biafran relief work in Toronto, and who then came together to Nova Scotia. My condolences to all her family, as you mourn the loss of a kind and committed person.
Dear Tony and family, Our community was gifted by Pauline because she generously gave of her time and talents in many different places. I got to know and enjoyed working with Pauline on the Horizons of Friendship Homes, Gardens and Music Tour for a number of years. Pauline had a gently way about her an a beautiful spirit. We are all sorry for you loss of a very special Mom, sister and friend.
So very sorry to hear this news. Pauline and I worked together with Simone on a CFUW-N project to initiate an award for an Indigenous Student from Northumberland county. Her advice and friendship will be missed. My sincere condolences. Victoria Terry
Had the pleasure of meeting and working with Pauline at the school board. Her intelligence and fashion sense were admirable, but it’s her beautiful laugh that could be heard throughout the building that I’ll always remember. A kind soul.
I am so sorry for your loss, Tony. Your mom was a very special person, with a beautiful smile, a huge heart, and a passion for social justice. My path crossed your mom's through many venues, where she was always so respected by all those she worked with. I also enjoyed her company as a friend, sharing a cup of tea and solving the world's problems together - at least in our minds! I will miss those chats.
I feel honoured to have gotten to know Pauline a little these past few years as fellow members of the CFUW. Pauline always had something enlightening to contribute to discussion group meetings. I admired her bold spirit, enjoyed her big laugh, and will miss her.
My sincere condolences on the passing of your Mother, Tony. She was so very pleased to have you with her this past year. I will always appreciate Pauline's deep insights and lofty laughter.
My condolences to the family. It was always good to see Pauline. After she left the program committee of CFUW-Northumberland, we would still see each other at a Capitol Theatre show or some event. She always had a ready smile. She will be missed.
My deep condolences on losing a great woman. The last time I saw her was just before Christmas when I knocked on your door. She had a big smile and was full of good humour. She will be missed.
My deepest condolences to all the family. Pauline was a dear friend for many years-first as a colleague at CBC Radio and then later, whenever the fearsome foursome gathered for dinner, a camping trip or a weekend away at a cottage. Pauline will be forever missed and fondly remembered. Mary-Frances Denis
I, like Scott had no idea your mom was so ill. So it did come as a shock to me. She will be greatly missed by so many friends and acquaintances and by me. She was a very kind and incredibly bright person. I always felt so uninformed and ignorant in her presence but she was gracious enough to tolerate that. I would always relish listening to her dad talk current affairs and never dared to interject just wipe the protruding saliva with my knuckle dragging hands. I know how difficult this is for you and my only admonition is to let yourself decompress before you tackle the jobs ahead of you, they are daunting and emotional. Once again if there’s anything I can do to help or if you just need somebody to talk to please don’t hesitate to call… Thanking of you and love you lots Bill
I am saddened by the loss of Pauline. It is hard to believe that she will no longer be part of the discussion groups of CFUW-Northumberland. Her contribution will be greatly missed.
She will be greatly missed. As one of her book club 'gal pals', she did have a wonderful laugh.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Loved walking with you with the Gazelles, especially when you brought your beautiful dog along. Great chats. Had been awhile since seeing you. My condolences to your family. Will miss you special lady.
I am very sorry to learn of Pauline’s passing. My sincere condolences to the family. A lovely lady who will be so missed.
Sorry for your loss. I connected a few times with Pauline over the last number of years but not recently. She was the daughter of Tony who worked with my father , Lyle Jones, in Belleville at Stephens Adamson. I am pretty sure Tony was the fellow that built a boat in his house that was too large to get out? Again my sympathies are with you.