Heather Lynne Mary Ferguson (nee Granger)

Heather Lynne Mary Ferguson was a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, social-services professional, church member, and dedicated volunteer whose gentle spirit was matched by a deep commitment to helping others.

Raised in West Kildonan, Heather knew from an early age that she wanted a career centred on service. She earned both a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Science degree from the University of Manitoba and went on to serve the people of Manitoba through a 35-year career in provincial social services.

Heather’s concern for others extended well beyond her professional life. As a devoted member of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, she contributed generously to parish life and helped newly arrived immigrants settle into their Winnipeg community.

Her greatest joy was her family. Heather treasured her daughter, Jillian, her son-in-law, Ian, and her grandchildren, Jackson, Mason, and Emerson. She especially cherished the weekends they spent together at her Lake Winnipeg cabin, which she built in anticipation of her retirement in 2017.

Heather’s connection to Scottish culture grew through Jillian’s involvement in Highland dancing. She became a constant and enthusiastic supporter at recitals and competitions and soon embraced Scottish country dancing, Robert Burns celebrations, travel to Scotland, and the wider fellowship of Winnipeg’s Scottish community.

She volunteered regularly at Folklorama and supported events celebrating Scottish history and heritage. Her service included the bicentennial commemorations of the Selkirk Settlers and the Scottish Diaspora Tapestry project, an international undertaking that preserved stories of Scottish migration through embroidered panels created by communities around the world.

Through these activities, Heather helped preserve the stories, traditions, and cultural connections that linked Scotland with Manitoba and generations of Scottish Canadians.

Heather is lovingly remembered by her mother, Kathleen Granger; her daughter Jillian and son-in-law Ian; her three grandchildren; her sisters Linda and Gail; her former husband, Wayne; and the many friends and community members whose lives she touched.