Karen Ferguson

Karen Ruth Ferguson (born Willner; February 17, 1941 – December 23, 2021) was an American workers' rights advocate. She was the founder and leader of the Pension Rights Center.

Early life and education Karen Ruth Willner was born on February 17, 1941, in Manhattan, New York, to Dorothy (Kunin) and Sidney Willner. Nader would try to get his "raiders" interested in different subject areas, but he could only find Ferguson who wanted to take an interest in pensions.

The center acts as a legal clearinghouse, referring citizens with potential litigation to lawyers.

Ferguson helped draft and pass the Retirement Equity Act of 1984 which strengthened the position of a pensioner's partner. Partners had a legal right to benefits after the death of the pensioner and these rights could not easily be waived away.

Personal life Karen married John H. Ferguson after meeting him in law school. Together, they had a son.

She died of colon cancer on December 23, 2021, in Washington, D.C.

Books with Kate Blackwell The Pension Book: What You Need to Know to Prepare for Retirement (Arcade Publishing, distributed by Little, Brown, 1995) with Kate Blackwell Pensions in Crisis: Why the System is Failing America and How You Can Protect Your Future (Arcade Publishing, distributed by Little, Brown, 1995)