ALLERTON HOUSE RESIDENT PROFILE

Roberta Ferguson

When we think of someone we can count on, that person is Roberta Ferguson (otherwise known around Allerton House as “Bobbie”). She even admits that it’s hard to say no. She is known for her generosity and hard work at Allerton House, whether it’s folding napkins for the Dining Room, baking for the Holiday Fair, or reading to our young visitors. She also serves on the Sunshine Committee to help new residents move in and get settled.

Born the youngest of five girls in Dorchester, her family moved to Milton when Bobbie was quite young. There she met her husband, John (Jack) Church Ferguson. They were married on September 17, 1955 at the Parkway Methodist Church in Milton. She would later volunteer there as a Sunday school teacher. Jack and Bobbie had three children: Roberta, Bill, and Cheryl. This was the first boy born into the family in many years (she had six nieces and no nephews at the time of her marriage). All of her children are now married and more sons have been born into the family. The younger Roberta and her husband live in Weymouth with her only granddaughter. Bill, a minister, lives in Hampsted, NH with his wife and three sons. Cheryl lives in Barefoot Bay, Florida with her husband and son.

Bobbie taught Sunday school at both Parkway Methodist Church and Quincy Point Congregational Church. She volunteered for six years. She was also a Brownie Troop Leader for three years in Quincy. She finally declined when they asked her to be a Girl Scout Leader. She had decided that after teaching 50 Brownies the previous two years, this was where she would draw the line.

Bobbie moved to Allerton House within the first few months of its opening in May 1999. She admits to being nervous because she did not know anyone. She soon became friendly with the people who live at Allerton House and can now say she is completely happy and “at home” here. Her favorite pastimes include knitting, reading, and her doll collection. When she knits, the requests are usually for her baby sets and childrens’ sweaters. Many Allerton House residents have visited Bobbie’s apartment to view her extensive China doll collection. She has over 50 dolls and rotates the dolls each week to display in her apartment.