MAXINE FERGUSON 8/7/1930 – 5/10/2024
From Bond Street (near the Water Co canal, downtown) to Marquette Manor (86th Street);
From St. Bridget’s and St. Rita’s to St. Thomas Aquinas and Butler-Tarkington;
From St. Rita’s Grade School, St. Agnes High School, Marian College (University), Butler
University, and an honorary doctorate from Marian in 2018;
From parents Benjamin M. McIntosh and Louise Galbreath;
Maxine’s life spanned the city and its cultures. She was known, familiar, almost everywhere she went.
At St. Thomas, Maxine was the consummate church woman. She taught Sunday School; she attended and participated in most of the programs and activities offered by the church. She was a cantor as well as a member of the gospel choir. Maxine seemed to know everyone, and all welcomed her with pleasure. The stroke that eventually resulted in her demise occurred when she was “out and about” visiting the sick, a communion minister.
Maxine had majored in music at Marian, specializing in bass because “that was what Sister needed.” She was familiar with many types of music. Witness the music at her funeral: How great thou art; Precious Lord, take my hand; Eagle’s wings; Ave Maria; and her mother Louise’s favorite – Victory is mine. Father Cliff Vogelsang presided at her funeral, with support from her chapter of the Ladies of Peter Claver.
Maxine had no living relatives, but she had hundreds of friends and acquaintances. The more than 100 friends who signed her funeral memorial book attest to this. Since she had been living in nursing care, her possessions were limited to mementos from her worldwide travels, photos, and religious artifacts (statuses, rosaries, pictures). We distributed it to those who came to the funeral, hopefully inspiring someone else to continue her ministries.
Maxine lived frugally but well on her teacher’s salary. She had inherited from her mother, Louise, and managed to save more. Her financial assets went to a few friends, but mostly to Marian and St. Thomas Aquinas. In her will, she specified that the St. Thomas share should be used for the operation of the parish, not for capital improvements. This turned out to be over $180,000 and it is to be devoted to enhancing the music ministry of St. Thomas Aquinas, as a special Music Fund. We hope that you can benefit from her gift.
by Lucy Riegel, June 7, 2025
Maxine often led others in prayer with this Prayer for Protection:
May the Light of God surround you
May the Love of God enfold you
May the Power of God protect you
May the Presence of God watch over you
Know that Wherever you are, God is, and all is well
by James Dilate Freeman
