GLADYS PARSONS BRADBURY FERGUSON, ISLAND FALLS – Gladys Parsons Bradbury Ferguson, 99, passed away on December 22, 2017, in Houlton. She was born in Millinocket on August 13, 1918, the fifth of nine children, the daughter of Susanna Parsons and John J. Bradbury. Gladys grew up in Millinocket where her father was a foreman for the Great Norther Paper Co.
She graduated from G.W. Sterns High School in 1936 where she received honors in advanced studies in business and was a member of the championship basketball team. In 1937 she entered Burdett College of Business in Boston, completing the two-year program in one year.
Upon graduation from Burdett College, Gladys was employed by the Hathaway Bakery in Waltham, Mass, and also worked for the Red Feather Campaign in Boston. She traveled to Washington, D.C., where she worked for the US Department of Labor in a managerial position for two years. In 1942 she married John E. Ferguson in Washington. Gladys returned to Millinocket where she was invited to work for the Great Northern Paper Co. and employed thereafter as the Managing Head Cashier for J.J. Newberry and Co. and later for W.T. Grant Co. in Millinocket.
Gladys was active as a pianist in the women’s branch of the Odd Fellows Lodge and a member of the Millinocket Baptist Church. She enjoyed photography and was an active member of the Millinocket Camera Club. After moving to Island Falls 1970, she was later employed by the Department of Human Services in Houlton. She resided in her historic farmhouse for nearly fifty years, especially enjoying her front porch. Gladys was an accomplished classical pianist and spent many hours with her son, John J., playing duets at the piano, accompanying him in trumpet, vocal solos, and teaching him the rudiments of music. Gladys also played the guitar. She especially enjoyed the opera, symphony, choral, vocal, music for the classical piano, and other musical genres. She was a member of the Wesleyan Church in Crystal where she often played the piano for services. She belonged to the Katahdin Club, Senior Citizens of Island Falls, and participated in the Senior Volunteer Program of Southern Aroostook County. Gladys enjoyed a wide circle of friends including a small group of retired ladies who called themselves “The Golden Girls” who predeceased her. She especially enjoyed the outdoors, boating, ice skating, skiing, swimming and was an accomplished avid gardener and had several gardens surrounding her home. Knitting and sewing were among her handiwork talents.
Gladys is survived by her sons, John J. of Hackettstown, New Jersey, a professional musician and professor, Larry M. of Matawamkeag, a registered Maine Guide; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; brother, Goodwin Bradbury of Millinocket; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, John E.; son, Stephen W., an Air Force Veteran and a professional artist; her sisters, Marion V. Bradbury and Grace O. Evers; and brothers, John and Christopher Bradbury.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 30th at 1:00 p.m. in the Wesleyan Church, 360 Winding Hill Road, Crystal, followed by a luncheon. Burial was in the summer in Millinocket. For an online memory book and to leave condolences please visit www.bowersfuneral.com
