Audrey Marion Ferguson Doehne
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Audrey's obituary
Audrey Marion Ferguson Doehne passed away on November 20th, 2025, two months before her 91st birthday, at Hopewell House in Portland, Oregon.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 24th, 1935, to Irene Ferguson (née Eicher) of Winfield, Iowa, and Dwight Ferguson of Vashon Island, Washington, Audrey had one older sister, Joanne, and one younger sister, Carol. Her early childhood was spent in Chicago, Minneapolis, Pacific Heights in Hawaii, Baltimore, and Atlanta, and as a kindergartner, she witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Audrey grew into an outgoing, adventurous spirit, exploring nearby caves with friends and working as a summer camp counselor during high school. She attended Oberlin College, where she majored in education, studied art, and met Ed Doehne, a curious, thoughtful pre-med student. After corresponding while she taught in London, they were married in New Hampshire. They moved to Woodland, California in 1969, living in the same home for over 50 years before moving to Portland to be near her sister, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Audrey was a caregiver, educator, and artist. She took joy in her causes and work, whether teaching elementary students, raising her sons, caring for her grandchildren, painting, quilting, tending her flower garden and fruit trees, cooking, and entertaining friends. She enjoyed the mountains and the coast in North Carolina and California, camping, hiking, and building a cabin with Ed. She had a strong table tennis game even at 90. She played the piano and recorder, enjoying music and singing.
Audrey was always active in her communities, helping found the still-operational Carolina Friends School in North Carolina and as a long-time member of Davis Friends Meeting. She helped found Woodland's League of Women Voters chapter, ran a monthly peace vigil at the courthouse for 20 years, volunteered with hospice, and was an energetic member of Woodland's Rose Club, PEO sisterhood, and Shakespeare Club.
Audrey and Ed were married for 63 years, filled with sunshine and shadow, laughter and music, food and flowers, love and friendship. Together, they raised two sons, Edward "Ned" Frederick Doehne IV and Eric Ferguson Doehne. Audrey left us on Ed’s birthday, November 20th, causing one friend to note, “Well, Ed just got a birthday present.”
Audrey is remembered with love by her surviving son Eric, sister Carol Turner, daughters-in-law Carol Doehne and Anne Collins-Doehne, and grandchildren Jessica Doehne Jendrzejek, Matthew Doehne, and George Doehne. “Gigi” was also beloved by great-grandchildren Rowan and Lyra Jendrzejek.
Audrey will be laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery next to her husband Ed and eldest son Ned. Audrey loved trees and her Woodland community, so please consider a donation in her name to a relevant organization.
A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Portland in the Fireside Room (and via Zoom) on Saturday, January 24th, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at 1624 NE Hancock St., Portland, OR 97212.
Send requests for the Zoom link and condolences to Eric Doehne.
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