Mildred Ferguson Chen

Mildred Ferguson Chen, 92, formerly of Carlisle, died in her sleep Tuesday at Brethren Village, where she had been a resident since October.

She was the daughter of the late Edward G. and Cora Shelly Ferguson.

Her husband, Maj. James E. Chen, died in 1993, the same year in which they celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Army life took them to several states, including Missouri, Alabama, Ohio, Illinois, and Hawaii. They also served in Iran from 1954-1957. Millie was stateside while Jim served in Japan and Germany. Most of their lives were spent in Pennsylvania; Millie had grown up on a farm near Millerstown.

She was a fine seamstress, loved watching birds on her wooded property in Carlisle, and enjoyed Bible stories. She surrounded herself with books.

Though the couple had no children of their own, they warmly welcomed Millie’s sister Mary’s children into their lives after her early death.

Millie is survived by the nieces and nephew she helped to raise: Connie Brown, of Lancaster, Richard C. Myers, of East Petersburg, and Catherine Houser, married to Martin, of Onalaska, Texas, as well as great-nieces and great-nephew Andrea and Scott Brown, Jennifer Myers, and Christine Houser, all of whom regarded her as a grandmother. There are eight “great-grandchildren.”

She is also survived by a nephew, Larry Ferguson, married to Donna, and a niece, Irene Delbaugh, married to Orville, and their descendants.

She was preceded in death by sister Mary Myers Rineer, brother Henry Ferguson and niece Violet Wolfe.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a funeral from the Chapel of Brethren Village, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17606 on Saturday, March 31st at 10:30 a.m. Friends may call at the chapel from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Private interment at Turkey Valley United Methodist Church Cemetery in Juniata County. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Brethren Village Benevolent Fund at the address above.