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12 December 1941 – 15 February 2026
Warkworth lost a community stalwart with the passing of Jennifer Ferguson last month, a person who was remembered for her quiet way of getting things done with purpose, persistence and generosity.
Across a diverse range of interests, she was seen as more than a familiar name in Warkworth – “she was a symbol of community, creativity and care”.
And even in passing, her wish to help the town she was born and raised in did not waiver, asking that in lieu of flowers, friends and family consider a donation to the Cancer Society or the Warkworth Museum lift project.
Jennifer grew up on Falls Road, the daughter of Harry and Ethol Butler.
Both her parents were of English descent, so as soon as she was old enough to ride, she was given a Shetland pony. Before long, she was competing at the Warkworth Pony Club and the Warkworth A&P Show. Her connection to the show proved to be a lifelong affair – she started competing when she was around 10 years old, later joining the committee and working as a volunteer in various capacities for most of her life.
Ian, her husband of 60 years, described Jennifer as a capable and resourceful girl. However, he said her love of horses was quickly diverted to a love of cars after he bought her a Morris Oxford. “She was a great driver and really loved her cars.”
Jennifer attended the school in Percy Street, which eventually became the Warkworth bandroom. She was still at school when she joined the band around 1956. The popularity of the band meant that musicians had to put their names on a waiting list until a vacancy arose. She started playing the cornet, but then got tonsillitis two years later and didn’t have the required “puff” to continue, so was put on a horn. It was a big band of 20 members. Both Ian and Jennifer went on to become life members.
After graduating high school, Jennifer’s first job was in the office of the Warkworth Town Council, based at the Warkworth Town Hall. After five years there, she moved on to work for a law firm before taking on an administrative position with Gubbs Motors, which was then based on the site of the current ANZ Bank.
Ian and Jennifer met at school and renewed their friendship at table tennis nights in the Kourawhero Hall. They were married at the Warkworth Anglican Christ Church and lived their entire married life in Auckland Road – first in a little flat, before buying a 1500sqm vacant section next door for £8000. When they built their home a few years later for around $70,000, it became the first residence in Warkworth with natural gas.
Apart from four or five years on a working holiday in England, Jennifer spent her whole life in Warkworth where she was a tireless worker for the cultural and civic life of the town. Along with the Brass Band and the A&P Show, she was a member of Rebus, the Business & Professional Women’s Club, Snells Beach Garden Club, Golden Oldies Netball and a Warkworth Museum volunteer. She served on numerous committees, often as treasurer.
Ian noted that Jennifer also loved cats. “Some were friendly, some were loveable and some were strange, but the black one she left me with is just plain weird!”
Jennifer remained at home until her death, thanks to the care of family, friends and Warkworth Wellsford Hospice. As a mark of respect, the Warkworth Brass Band played at her service, which was held at the Warkworth Anglican Church, on February 27.
