Jo Ferguson’s family pay tribute to stylist after battle with illness
The family of celebrity stylist Jo Ferguson have honoured her life in a moving tribute after her tragic passing at 46. It comes after her mother revealed the heartbreak of losing her daughter to a battle with illness.
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Sydney stylist Jo Ferguson has been likened to a “sleeping beauty never to wake” after her untimely death at the age of 46.
Ferguson’s mother, Patricia, older brother Scott and extended family have paid tribute to her life in a moving tribute to the much loved fashionista, who died tragically of kidney and liver failure earlier this month.
“She was here. She was loved. Her life made a difference,” the tribute read in today’s Daily a telegraph.
“Jo lived three lifetimes in her amazing 46 years. She traveled the world during her spectacular styling career and her enthusiasm and joyous nature helped her achieve considerable recognition, which made her whole family proud.”
Ferguson was cremated after a small private service in Adelaide on Thursday.
“I was there when she came into the world and held her hand as her soul departed during the early hours of the pink supermoon,” Patricia Ferguson said. “I am devastated by her loss and will always love my beautiful girl.”
Ferguson was a longstanding fashion editor at Cleo magazine. She was once best friends with former supermodel Kristy Hinze and was her bridesmaid when she married US billionaire Jim Clark.
She was a regular on the Sydney red carpet scene and previously dated TV host Tom Williams.
“Over the last months her hospital visits were quite frequent and Jo ... being Jo, decided to ‘skip school’. After telling staff she was going to the hospital cafe, she booked a flight to Sydney, had her hair done and flew back ... all in time for tea,” the tribute continued. “That evening she received many comments of how nice her hair looked. She also spent an inordinate amount of time on her phone ... buying things. Her new house was her dream and she filled it with striking artwork and stunning furniture. Her collections of Hermes and Chanel bags, and racks of she’s and clothes showed her love of style. Numerous parcels arrived at her house everyday ... Christmas everyday.”
Scott Ferguson added: “The most loving and down to earth little sister a big brother could ask for. A genuine inspiration who had a rare and passionate talent for her craft, though carried the burden of a big heart in an industry that too often places its emphasis elsewhere. You will be sadly missed.”
Ferguson’s sister in law Eliza and extended family in Western Australia and Queensland also pid tribute to the much loved family member.
Ferguson battled serious health issues over recent years and as a result moved from Sydney to Adelaide to be closer to her family.
A January report claimed she dodged death after blood poisoning relating to a 2017 staircase fall in which she lost four litres of blood.
She is understood to have been placed on life support last month and was subsequently allowed to go home before being re-admitted.
“Strong and beautiful till the end,” model and fashion designer Jodhi Meares wrote in a moving Instagram post after Ferguson’s death. “Thank you for the love and the endless laughs Jo. Gentle journey home.”
Others to pay tribute to Ferguson include renowned fashion photographer Carlotta Moye, fashion designer Michael Azzolini and creative director Alex Zabatto-Bentley.
“Jo was always so full of life and fun,” former Cleo editor-in-chief Deborah Thomas said, having first met Ferguson in 1997. “Her enthusiasm, work ethic, friendship and loyalty was second to none. After we both left the magazine Jo and I would often catch up for lunch at Bambini Trust to check in on each other, share stories and exchange advice about relationships, career and fashion.
“It was always a pleasure to spend time with Jo as she bubbled over with enthusiasm about life even though more recently she faced many challenges. I am devastated by the loss of a beautiful soul who has tragically left us way too soon. A bright light has gone out and Jo will be missed by her many friends and colleagues, who loved her dearly. RIP darling girl.”