*****Due to today’s weather, we are moving the committal service from Casper Creek Cemetery to the Furlong Funeral Chapel, 100 Caroldon Court, Galena, with the service still beginning at 10 AM.
Carmen Joy Ferguson, 79 of Galena, IL, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, WI. Services will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, beginning with a natural burial at Casper Creek Natural Cemetery, 870 S. Pilot Knob Rd. Galena, at 10 AM, followed by a funeral service and celebration of life at Grace Episcopal Church, 107 South Prospect, Galena, at 11:30 AM, luncheon to follow in the Parish Hall. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family. She was the daughter of Mabel Ward and James Ferguson, born on October 7, 1946, in Vancouver, British Columbia. After becoming a naturalized citizen, she attended Cleveland High School in Seattle, WA, where she graduated in 1964. Carmen was very active on the cheerleading squad and maintained friendships with her teammates throughout her life. Carmen attended the University of Colorado Boulder, graduating with a degree in French and Fine Arts. She moved to Galena in 1982, working as an artist, astrologer, radio host, and trainer for John Deere. She met the love of her life, Lester Johnson, and they married on September 4, 1989, at Grace Episcopal Church. They shared a deep love of nature and gardening, growing popcorn, flowers, and vegetables, and developed a stunning terraced garden and ponds at their home. They were active in conservation efforts in Jo Daviess County and enjoyed relaxing by fishing on their pontoon boat. Though she had no children of her own, Carmen nurtured children of all ages, whether it was teaching art, digging in the garden, or cooking. Carmen was deeply involved in many aspects of her community, including the Galena Artists’ Guild and Arts Festival, the community garden, the Grace Episcopal Church Choir, a weekly poetry group, and the Food Pantry. She was particularly proud of her research and performances as Adele Gratiot Washburne with The Women of Courage group. Carmen grew up with seven siblings. She is survived by her brothers, Robert, Wayne, and Dallas, and her sisters, Bonita “Bonnie” and Colleen. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Ferguson and Mabel Ware; her brothers, Marty and Dean; and her beloved husband, Lester Johnson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Episcopal Church or the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation in memory of Carmen. For those unable to attend, service will be streamed on the Grace Church YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@gracechurchgalena9676
Carmen was a second mother to me, quite different from my first, and how important she was in my life. She took me in after my father died for a few months and even made sure I could buy my first car before I returned home to Chicago. Carmen taught me the importance of questioning authority and standing up for those that have less than me. She taught me how to balance grace and indignation in the midst of the daily struggles.
When living with Carmen and Lester at the turn of the century, they showed me how a married couple could truly love one another, be an oasis of loving kindness for their community, encourage each other’s passions, and deeply enjoy their time together with friends. Their marriage continues to be a standard for my recent, late-in-life, first time marriage. I do wonder if I would have ever married had it not been for their beautiful example of what a marriage can be and what that marriage can mean to a community. I sincerely hope that there is an afterlife and that Carmen and Lester are reunited there, to be an eternal beacon of light, love, and hope for all they encounter.
Thank you for being a such a gift to my life, Carmen.
Beautifully done. Thank you all who loved Carmen. She was an old friend and singular light. Shine on dear Carmen!
Love always, Deb
Carmen is my sister-in-law, Lester is my brother. Though I lived far from Illinois, I always enjoyed going to visit them together, and then visit Carmen once Lester passed, while I was in Illinois visiting my parents in central Illinois. We always had lively conversations and delicious food during those stays. I’m glad my brother found Carmen and they shared many years together. I’m also glad for Carmen that her friends helped her transition from their lovely, but labor-intensive homestead, to a more suitable living arrangement for her final years. Rest in peace Carmen along with Lester.
Carmen was so fun to meet and was always ready with a smile! She was so passionate about reenacting Adele Washburn and it was an honor to work with her on one of the historical productions we were part of. I’m glad to have met Carmen and while she will be remembered with a smile in my heart, she will very much be missed.
Carmen was a wonderful person who I was fortunate enough to connect with while working on two of her historical story telling performances, Famous First Ladies where I costumed her as Dolly Madison and The Women of Third Street. I loved talking with her about art and often forgotten stories in history. Her impact on sharing those stories will not be forgotten!
Carmen must have been very special to have developed so many loving and loyal friends. My sister, Joan has been a devoted friend for many years -a model of support and generosity, I can only aspire to. I met Carmen when I visited my sister and very much appreciated getting see Joan in this role. Joan was lifesaving for me when we were growing up in a traumatic family. She brought all her own life lessons to her friendships and loved Carmen well and deeply.
My condolences to Carmen’s family and friends. I met Carmen sometime after in Galena, I was newly married, not sure how we met but we came to be friends, a and even cut her hair aa few times, when I was a cosmetologist! She asa very sweet lady!
Carmen came into my life 39 years ago when she attended my wedding in Chicago. My husband and I moved to Galena shortly thereafter and we began a lifelong friendship that grew into becoming family to us. She and Lester shared all our holidays, and as our children grew older she was a most significant influence in their lives. She attended countless Nutcrackers, and we have hours of memories of fishing with her and Lester on their pontoon boat. She was one of the dearest loves of our lives and will be missed greatly. We will always remember her smile.
Every time Carmen and I crossed paths at Susan and John’s house, my life was enriched. Thank you Carmen. Peace be with you my friend.