Rita Comeau Ferguson, Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
In addition to the devoted care she provides to her husband, who is living with Parkinson's Syndrome and Alzheimer Disease, Mrs. Rita Ferguson quietly volunteers her time to help and care for other residents of the Villa Saint-Joseph nursing home. Since 1993, she has visited her husband daily, spent countless hours helping the staff at mealtimes, and offered her support to employees, residents and their families, assisting or comforting anyone in need. Mrs. Ferguson was also very involved in the development of the first family support group in the Acadian Peninsula for the caregivers of people living with Alzheimer Disease.