Patricia Ferguson

Patricia Walsh Ferguson

Patricia (Pat) Walsh Ferguson passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025 at the Julia Ribaudo Extended Care Facility after a long challenge with dementia. During her last week she was under the care of Compassionate Care Hospice.

Born December 22,1932 (on her dad’s birthday) in Long Island City, Queens, NY, she was the only child of Joseph and Hannah Rose McDonnell Walsh. Hannah, a nurse who contracted tuberculosis, died when Pat was just 18 months old. Subsequently, she was raised in Scranton by her loving grandmother, Alice McTiernan Walsh.

Following graduation from West Scranton High School, Pat went to work at Pennsylvania Gas and Water Company. It was there that she met the love of her life, Arnie Ferguson. They were married on July 19, 1958 and spent 57 years together until his passing in 2015.

After taking time off to raise her girls, Pat returned to the workforce as secretary to Paul Cusick at the Scranton Housing Authority. Later, she spent many years with Lackawanna County as a secretary to Judge James J. Walsh and as court reporter for Orphans Court under Judge Daniel L. Penetar. In retirement she was a freelance stenographer for several Scranton law firms.

Pat was a whirlwind of energy who spent countless hours volunteering in the community. Among the organizations that benefited from her generous gift of time were Scranton’s Team Operation Pride, Whittier PTA, Friendship Seven, and Turi Studio of Dance. A lifelong Democrat, she campaigned for many candidates, all of whom won!

She was an artist, poet, master gardener, wife, mom, spoiler of grandchildren, friend, and exceptionally fun person!

Pat is survived by daughters Eileen Callahan and husband Tom of Frenchtown, NJ and Barbara Eagen of Scranton; grandchildren Michael J. Eagan and wife Brittany of Quakertown, PA, Attorney Corey Eagen of Scranton, Katharine Eagen of Tunkhannock, and Joseph Drahus of West Wyoming, PA; and great-grandchildren Bowie Sage Halvorsen, Michael J. Eagen V, and Joseph John Drahus. She is, also, survived by cousins Karen Maxey Lyons, Myles Walsh, Joe Walsh, Alyce Powers Blessing, and lifelong friend Gail Janes. She was predeceased by her husband and dear daughter Annette Ferguson.

Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 6th in St. Patrick’s Church at 10:00 AM by Father Richard Fox. Arrangements have been graciously handled by James Wilson Funeral Home.

To honor Pat Ferguson, remember all people are worthy, donate to your favorite charity, and, if you want to go out on a limb, enjoy a brandy Manhattan. Cheers!