Ferris, Mary (Cecilia)

April 16, 1934 – March 19, 2024

On March 19, 2024, Mary (Cecilia) Ferris of Red Deer, peacefully passed away at Red Deer Hospice at the age of 89.   A beloved wife, mother, Sity (Grandmother) and friend, Cecilia is survived by her husband of 70 years John Ferris; son Russell (Lorie) Ferris, son Wayne Ferris, daughter Denise (Dale) Fuller, sister Thelma (Bob) Barrington, grandchildren Ryan O’Hara, Jeremy Corbet, Dustin (Diane) Fuller, Dayla Fuller, Dan Fuller, Michelle Ferris, Landon (Elora) Ferris, Valerie (Oliver) Edwards, great grandchildren Daniel, Waylon, Corbin, Aleah, Emma, Jupiter, Mason; Honorary Grandchildren JC and Alyzha Mitchell, numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews and many special friends, especially Irmgard (Schuh) Strack,

Cecilia was predeceased by her parents Tom and Mary Flynn, sister Lillian Flynn, sons Robert Brian and John Michael; and long-time friends Ron and Lorraine Burton, and Larry and Evelyn Hollohan.

Cecilia was born and raised in Sydney, NS. In her younger days, she worked as a Switchboard Operator.  She married John in 1953, who was a member of the Canadian Air Force. They raised five children through several military transfers including Germany and multiple provinces across Canada.  In 1976 they moved to Innisfail where Cecilia was an active member of Our Lady of Peace church and served as president of the CWL. She volunteered as a board member for 8 years with Innisfail Hire-A-Student.  During this time, she worked at the Penhold Military base until her retirement in 1990.

Upon retirement they met many new friends as they travelled across Canada and the US. As true snowbirds they wintered in Arizona for over 13 years.

Cecilia had an infectious laugh and opened arms to welcome you.  She loved being with family and friends, travelling, meeting new people, curling, singing and dancing, and occasionally attending the casino.

She embodied strength and resiliency as she endured many trials and tribulations including breast cancer twice and the loss of two sons.  Her faith was strong.  Cecilia easily welcomed and engaged people and enjoyed hearing their stories.  She enjoyed politics and wasn’t shy to express her views.  Her ability to retain information, dates, events, names, was amazing.

Eventually they returned to Red Deer. She loved to her the sound of children laughing and playing.  Cecilia was very proud of her grandchildren, their spouses and great grandchildren.  She had so much love for each of them and had a special relationship with each.

Funeral services will be held April 9, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Church, 6 McMillian Ave, Red Deer, AB.

A private family Intermittent will be held at a later date.

To view the service online; go to St. Mary’s Church website at: https://stmarysparish.jimdo.com; then scroll down and click on the Livestream Mass button to view the 11:00 am service live.

• Date : 2024-03-19
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home and Celebration Centre