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Obituary: Alice ‘Widge’ Ferguson

Alice "Widge" Ferguson
Courtesy photo

April 23, 1925 — Dec. 24, 2024

Alice “Widge” Ferguson moved to heaven to ski on Dec. 24, 2024, with the snow gently falling outside her window. She was 99 years young.

Since 1962, when Vail opened, it has been her beloved second home, summer and winter. Bob Parker, one of Vail’s pioneers, named Widge’s Ridge a favorite ski slope in the Back Bowls after her, because he knew she always brought welcome snowstorms whenever she was in town.

Sheika Gramshammer affectionately named her the “Snow Witch” (mistaking “Witch” in German for “Widge.”)

Alice was born in Montclair, New Jersey, on April 23, 1925. She grew up in West Harford, Connecticut, and met her late husband, John Ferguson, at Yale University. They moved to Denver, Colorado, in 1950.

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John became Pepi Gramshammer’s personal attorney in 1962 and soon became friends. Together, with their families, they shared many milestones and adventures, both at home and abroad, and became lifelong best friends.

John and Widge also enjoyed close friendships with many other people in Vail.

Because she loved Vail, Widge donated frequently to several local organizations, especially the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.

Anyone who would like to donate to the Gardens in her honor is invited to do so. She also loved dogs and supported the Denver Dumb Friends League for many years. Contributing to their efforts is another special way to remember her.

Widge is survived by her daughters and family, Susie (husband, Jim) and Sandy, who live full or part-time in Vail. She is blessed with four grandchildren (and spouses), Andy (Tracy), Keri (Jason), Scott (Nicole) and Kimberly (Bobby), and seven amazing great-grandchildren, Owen (21), Grant (19), Carson (18), Makena (15), Lincoln (10), Evie (7) and Emery (almost two months!).

A celebration of Widge Ferguson’s life in Vail will be announced at a future time.

Meanwhile, everyone please ski a run for her on the mountain, especially on Widge’s Ridge!


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