Juliana Ferguson Kimball
August 9, 1928 – December 31, 2010
Juliana Ferguson Kimball, 82, of Santa Barbara, died suddenly on December 31, 2010. She led a rich and vibrant life, filled with adventure, many good friends and service to others.
Juliana was born on August 9, 1928, in San Francisco, and spent her early years in Woodside, California. She moved back to San Francisco with her parents, Craig and Tillie Bell Ferguson, where she attended Hamlin High School. She enjoyed a close relationship with her father, and a favorite activity was a visit to Haas Ice Cream Parlor on Polk Street for chocolate ice cream sodas.
Juliana attended Smith College for 2 years, where she studied Latin American Civilization. She returned to San Francisco, married Lawrence Hall Smith and raised her family. During these years, she enjoyed a busy social life, travelling abroad, and attending cultural events.
Juliana’s natural ability to plan events and reach out to others attracted friends and family over the years and created foundations for abiding bonds. She had a knack for doing things on a grand scale, including elaborate holiday gatherings and fun-filled reunions at spectacular locations.
In 1966, after living in Florence, Italy, for a year, she remarried, to Peter Kimball, and settled in Summit, New Jersey. Here, she used her artistic skills and travel experience to open Far Corners, a store featuring art, clothing and gifts from around the world. As her children and grandchildren grew, she provided them a wealth of experiences and a love of travelling, art, music and the theatre.
Juliana devoted much time to volunteering; her compassion toward the difficulties of others led her to work with agencies such as Hospice and Meals on Wheels in New Jersey and the Assistance League in Santa Barbara. Her lively and creative spirit brightened the events and groups to which she belonged.
In 1997, Juliana and Peter moved to Santa Barbara. Always drawn to the ocean, she enjoyed barbeques on the beach with her friends and family and the delights of Santa Barbara’s marine climate. Throughout her life, having her family around her was one of her greatest joys.
In her own words, Juliana was a “great old girl!”
Mrs. Kimball leaves her 4 children, Melissa Ribner of Portland, OR; Martha Downs of Novato, CA; Craig Smith of Rochester, MN; Larry Smith of Bend, OR; 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will he held on Sunday, January 16, at 2 p.m. at the Main Lounge at Vista Del Monte, 3775 Modoc Ave., Santa Barbara 93105.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions in her memory to The Fact Foundation – Employee Scholarship Program, c/o Vista Del Monte, at the above address, or to a charity of your choice.