June 9, 1926 �" February 3, 2013
Charlotte Hoffman Ferguson died in her sleep at the age of 86 on February 3, 2013. After contracting pancreatic cancer, she fought courageously for her life, undergoing demanding surgery, which was initially successful. However, her cancer returned, this time inoperable. Throughout her illness, including her last days, she was surrounded by family, friends, and former students.
Charlotte was born in the Bronx to Russian Jewish immigrants, her father a union organizer. Raised during the Depression in poverty, she moved with her family to Los Angeles and then attended UC Berkeley. She met her husband, Charles Ferguson, shortly after graduating, and gave birth to her son Charles in 1955.
After divorcing in 1971, Charlotte created a remarkable life for herself. With her friend David Charles, she bought, renovated, and sold real estate. Then she joined the McKesson Foundation, where for 25 years she administered grants to underprivileged students, her own background enabling her to understand their needs in a unique, powerful way. She changed many people's lives, and will be remembered by us all for her intelligence, pointed humor, and generosity.
She is survived by her son and a granddaughter, Athena Sofia. Donations in her name may be sent to Planned Parenthood.