Joanne M. Ferguson

Winchester, Massachusetts – Joanne M. Ferguson, 77, of Cambridge Street, died Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at Aberjona Nursing Center, Winchester.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, a daughter of the late Dr. Duncan H.C. Ferguson, Jr. and Florence M. (Umstead) Ferguson, she had lived in Bristol, Smithfield, and North Providence, R.I. before moving to Winchester five years ago.

Joanne, who always loved animals, became the first woman zoo keeper at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in 1970. She rose over the years to the position of Associate Zoo Director, retiring from that post in 1999. She raised Llamas at her home in North Smithfield during her retirement. She was an avid athlete, captain of her high school basketball team, a downhill ski racer, and she played first base for a local women’s softball team for a many years. She was a graduate of Lincoln School in Providence and the University of Rhode Island.

She is survived by her sister, Dr. Randie Black-Schaffer of Winchester, Massachusetts, 4 nieces and nephews and their children.

At her request, there will be no services.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory to the Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907 would be appreciated. Arrangements with Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln.

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