Born on October 29, 1939 in Portage, Pennsylvania. She was the first child of John and Josephine Pirich. Sally often told stories of her picturesque Allegheny Mountain town. She told about being a small child and trekking up and down the steep hills to her beloved grandparent’s house. She told how her grandma spoke only Polish, and although they communicated in different languages there was never a lack of love and understanding.
She recalled childhood days of running along the town railroad tracks leading to the Sonman Coal Mine with the important task of delivering lunch to her almost unrecognizable, dust covered, dad and grandfather. She also recalled being sent to fetch her granddad as he lingered in downtown (Portage) after his Friday shift. She fondly emphasized steering clear, once they returned, as her granddad received a stern Polish scolding for his tardiness.
Sally and her parents moved to Flint, Michigan during her high school years. She graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School and then attended Baker College. Sally met and married Frederick Ferguson, and were blessed with eight children.
Sally was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved her family with all her heart, and was happiest when surrounded by her loved ones. She hosted large family gatherings with Christmas being her pride and joy. She was also a special aunt and friend. Her good friend said, “faithful to God, and her family, and her country. A remarkable woman of love and integrity. She will be missed by many.”
She was a longtime member of Church of the Holy Family where she sang in the choir (34 years) with her two daughters. She was also an outreach center volunteer, member of Flint Institute of Arts, and owner of Ferguson Printing and Rubber Stamps for over 60 years.
Sally spent most of her time with family and friends. She also pursued interests in pottery, painting, stained glass, writing, reading, boating, skating, playing the ukulele, attending stage productions, visiting art institutes, worldwide travel, and pilgrimages to Canada’s holy shrines. Sally was honored in 1988 to be part of the Church of the Holy Family Choir that sang before Pope John Paul II at the Vatican. Last, but not least, she still reigns as all-time family “Scrabble Champ”.
She is survived by 8 children, Paula (Randy) Robinson, Alecyn (Rick) Paulson, Chris Ferguson, Tonya Ferguson, Matt (Chrissy) Ferguson, Lee (Tassie) Ferguson, Marc Ferguson (Andrea), Todd (Lisa) Ferguson; and brothers, John (Linda) Pirich, Joe (Lynette) Pirich. She was a beloved grandmother to 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was also loved by many nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, and special friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, and parents, John and Josephine (Seder) Pirich.
Sally was loved, and will be dearly missed.
A visitation for Sally will be held Wednesday, July 17, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM with Rosary Prayer Service 6:00 PM at Hill Funeral Home, 11723 South Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 10:00 AM with one hour of visitation prior to the mass at Holy Family Catholic Church, 11804 S Saginaw St, Grand Blanc, Michigan. An interment will follow at 12:30 PM at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd, Holly, Michigan.
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