Mary E. Ferry Obituary (2021)

Mary E. Ferry (nee’ Zannini), 100, passed away peacefully at her home. Born October 15, 1921, Mary started 1st grade not speaking English and graduated valedictorian from Holy Child High School, Class of ’39. She graduated University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1949 with a double major, despite her father's objection to her going to college. She was the first female president of the Newman Club (now St. John's Catholic Newman Center) at U of I and shared stories about the new initiatives she and her team created to include the diverse students attending the school. On June 3, 1952, she married the love of her life, Lawrence Ferry, and they celebrated 65 years together before his passing. Mary was a poet and writer, wildly successful crossword puzzle solver, and had an incredible sense of humor. Family was truly everything to Mary who enjoyed regular calls, emails “before everyone got on Facebook,” and sending and receiving cards and letters. To the end, she was a champion of the underdog and instilled in her children and others the importance of respect for all. She was gracious, kind, and truly lived her faith. She worked from the time she was little, starting in her parents’ restaurants, until her retirement from Lake County in the late 80s. She was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan ever since she met Gaby Hartnett in the 1920s and was thrilled to watch them finally win the World Series in 2016. She and Lawrence traveled extensively, mostly by car, until their late 80s, visiting their children, grandchildren, other relatives, and friends along the way. Mary celebrated a century of a life well lived, kind and loving to the end. She is survived by her loving children Marty, Linda, Paul (Sherre), and Jane; her grandchildren Kate, Mike, and Dave; and her great-granddaughter Darkis; as well as many other relatives and friends. Her family already misses her clever wit, caring hospitality, and ready smile. In addition to her husband, Mary was predeceased by her parents Louis and Clementina, brothers Gene Zannini and his wife Eileen and Dr. John Zannini and his wife Frances, son-in-law Ed Biondi, stepdaughter Patti and her husband Nels Nizer, and brothers-in-law Clyde and his wife Barbara Ferry and Paul R. Ferry, as well as very special family members Lily and Jack Hannan and Dr. Tom and Marifred Jackson. And lastly, she never forgot her college roommates and lifelong friends, the Stonehaven Girls, most who have gone before her. The family would like to thank the many trusted caregivers who were helpful during these waning years. Family and friends may call at Little Flower Parish – St. Dismas Church on Saturday, November 13th at 9:00 AM with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM. Burial at Ascension Cemetery will be held directly after Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Most Blessed Trinity Parish Soup Kitchen at https://www.givecentral.org/location/173/event/7956 or by sending a check to Most Blessed Trinity, 450 Keller, Waukegan IL 60085, Attn: Soup Kitchen. All arrangements made through Peterson & Patch Funeral Home. Please sign our online guestbook at www.waukeganfunerals.com