Varpu Talvikki Ferguson

Pixie Ferguson was born on December 21, 1952, in Eskilstuna, Sweden, to Aarne and Laila Luostarinen. Shortly after her birth, the family immigrated to Canada, where Pixie’s younger siblings, Pirjo and John, were born.  

The family’s early years were spent in Saskatchewan before Aarne joined the Canadian Army, leading to an overseas move to Germany. Pixie spent three formative years in Germany before the family returned to Canada and settled in Victoria, British Columbia. There, she fondly remembered picking fruit from the trees in her yard, and spending summer days at Beacon Hill Park with her sister, memories she cherished throughout her life.  

At age 10, Pixie moved back to Germany with her family for another three years, where she attended school and became conversational in German. After returning to Canada once again, her family finally settled in Calgary, Alberta when she was 15. Pixie completed high school in Calgary and went on to earn her nursing certification at the Foothills School of Nursing.  

Pixie’s nursing career spanned an impressive 41 years, from 1976 until her retirement in 2017. She worked in a wide range of hospital settings as a registered nurse, including emergency medicine, respiratory care, cardiology, oncology, hematology, internal medicine and medical teaching. Known for her skill and dedication, Pixie cared deeply for her patients and took immense pride in her work.  

A strong and independent woman, Pixie was admired for her forthright nature and unyielding determination. She raised three of her children and one grandchild largely on her own, balancing the challenges of single parenthood with grace and resilience. Her children remember her as a strict but loving mother who was generous with her time and resources.  

Pixie was also thoughtful and attentive to the little details that made others feel special. Her sister, Pirjo, fondly recalls a vacation they took to Jamaica. One evening, the resort hosted an artisan market with numerous tables of handmade goods. Pirjo admired a carved marble elephant but decided not to purchase it. When they returned home, Pixie surprised her with the elephant, having quietly noticed her interest. Over the next few years, Pixie continued gifting Pirjo beautifully carved elephants, eventually creating an entire collection—all thoughtfully chosen and gifted by Pixie.  

After retiring in 2017, Pixie devoted much of her time to caring for her grandchildren and looking after her mother, Laila. Even after falling ill in 2019, she continued to manage her mother’s finances and estate, ensuring her well-being with characteristic strength.  

Pixie’s love for travel brought her joy throughout her life. She especially loved visiting tropical destinations, savoring the warm sun and fresh food. In her later years, she enjoyed annual summer trips to the Okanagan with her daughter’s family, spending long, peaceful days by Okanagan Lake.  

An animal lover, Pixie had a lifelong affection for cats, finding companionship and comfort in her feline friends.  

Throughout her final years, Pixie found renewed peace and purpose through her rekindled Seventh-Day Adventist faith, often expressing a deep gratitude to God for His provision and care, and finding comfort in His promises. Before becoming ill, she volunteered as a teacher in Cradle Roll, sharing her time and love for Jesus with little ones.  

Pixie is survived by her mother Laila Luostarinen;  daughter Jennifer Ferguson-Truong (Michael) and son Brian Ferguson (Adriana) of Calgary; siblings Pirjo Lorenson (Dale) of Okotoks and John Luostarinen (Lorraine) of Cochrane; Deanna Mayhood (Ian) of Okotoks, Liisa Honish (Kyle) of Calgary, Michael Lorenson of Lacombe, David Weisgarber of Prince George and Leah Weisgarber of Calgary; and her 8 grandchildren Brielle Ferguson (Miguel Almario),  Emily Stewart, Lucas Ferguson, Brandon Ferguson, Mary-Anne Ferguson, Silas & Sarai Truong and Ava Ferguson. 
She is pre-deceased by her father Aarne Luostarinen and her daughter Michelle Ferguson.

Pixie’s memory will live on through the family, friends, colleagues, and patients whose lives she touched with her strength, compassion, and unwavering love.