Elizabeth Ferguson Karam

Born to parents George Tolmie Ferguson and Elizabeth Mary Ferguson on January 23, 1930, in Wilmington, Delaware. She is survived by her only son, Edmund P. Karam III. Her surviving nephews are Ed Ferguson, Thomas Ferguson, James Ferguson, George Ferguson, Paul Ferguson, and John Ferguson. Her surviving nieces are Jeanne Yobs, Claire Ferguson, Ann Leo, Kathy Mundhenk, Jeannie Toop, and Bonnie Roderick.

Early Years

Her beloved Mother Elizabeth entreated her sons at an early age to always watch out for and protect their younger sister; Lisbie (a name that stuck because her brother George had trouble pronouncing 'Elizabeth'. Lisbie never betrayed her brother's trust, and thus sealed a filial bond that would last a lifetime. She dearly both brothers, but had a special place in her heart for George. She would speak fondly of them and her parents to the very end of her life.

Her parents, both executives with Texaco, moved the family from Wilmington, Delaware to Wilmington, North Carolina. Prompted by her brother Bob's asthma, the family transferred to Brooklyn, New York where Elizabeth graduated High School at the Academy of St. Francis Xavier. Her father encouraged her to attend Katherine Gibbs College, but Elizabeth presented her father with a well reasoned and researched plan to attend Pace University in New York City where she graduated with a BS degree in Business. Encouraged by her Mother to apply for an Office Manager's position posted on a job board at Pace, she applied for a for a managerial position with the North American Refractory Company. The company, located downtown in the financial district, was "looking for a Lady." She won the job, and the trust and respect of the men who ran the company.

Wife and Mother

She met her future husband on a family summer vacation to Virginia Beach, Va. Edmund Karam Jr., a bright, ambitious man who was serving his country with the US Marine Corps. They were married at the Brooklyn Naval Yard in June of 1958. Early in their marriage, while living in Kew Gardens, Queens, NY, Elizabeth left their apartment late one night to take a walk and clear her head after a newlywed squabble. A well dressed man jumped out form behind a bush and struck her in the head with a lead pipe. Elizabeth screamed and bravely fought for her life, and unknown to her at the time, the life of her unborn son. It was with great joy that Elizabeth welcomed Edmund P. Karam III into the world on July 1st, 1959. Thus began a very special relationship with her only son. Sadly, a few years later, she lost another son, David, in infancy.

Cross Country and across the Atlantic

Following her husbands corporate pursuits with Continental Grain Company, Elizabeth Karam gave birth to her son in Memphis, Tenn., where her husband  managed grain elevators. While her husband rapidly climbed the corporate ladder, she adroitly managed the household while moving the family to New Orleans, La., Norfolk, Va., Short Hills, NJ, built a home in Evansville, In., St. Louis, Mo., Edina, Mn., and Glencoe, Il. While her son attended college, she and her husband lived in London, England, Geneva, Switzerland and returned to the US to live in Greenwich Ct. Despite moving every three years or so, she involved herself in the community and always made good friends easily. She volunteered at a hospital as a candy striper, and worked as an administrator at the High School.

New Start

After divorcing her husband in 1983, a difficult decision owing to her devout Catholicism, she moved to Cohasset, Ma. to begin a new life. She joined the garden club, worked at a book store and the library, and maintained an antique shop in Mystic Ct., She was an avid bridge player, sang in the choir at St. Anthonys, stayed in shape with aerobics and strength training and spent her summers attending the Aspen music festival with her best friend Helene. Her faith and her love of music was a constant theme throughout her life. She once traveled to Italy with a group led by Father Richard of Glastonbury Abbey. When she dipped her hand into the font of holy water at St. Peter's Basilica, she had a powerful and transcendent religious experience.

Most importantly, she was a loving Mother and kind, gracious, and refined woman. She never spoke ill of anyone and had a special bond with her in-laws and family. Sadly, she passed away on August 22, 2025 at the age of 95 from Alzheimers. Despite her 7 years battle with the disease, there were many tender and lucid moments she shared with her son.

There will be a mass said for her at St. Anthony's parish in Cohasset and she will be interned with her parents at St. Charles cemetery in East Farmingdale NY. Details and date to follow.