Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Therese at the age of 85, on Monday June 19, 2023.
A loving and devoted wife to John (Jack) Waters for 65 beautiful years. Cherished and devoted mom to Shaun (Mary), Michael (Christine), Teresa (Tim), Denise (Henry), Robert (Eleanor)
Very much loved Grandmother to Ben (Carol), Samantha (Jeff), Jennifer (AJ), Joey, Mike (Maxine), Jon, Chris (Michelle), Greg, Katrina (Kevin), Josh, Casey (Jon), Kelleigh, Sydney and Adelaide
Adored great grandmother to Parker, Charlie, Humphrey, Felix, Zander, Ryan, Oscar, Angel, Salomon, Penny, Theo and Etta.
Beloved daughter of Pre-deceased Ernest Levi Ferren, WW1 Veteran and Teresa Pearson, School Teacher of the Kinmount, Ontario area and the nearby Galway Road.
Cherished sister to Joe (Molly), Bernard (Elaine) and Faye.
Pre-deceased siblings, Elizabeth, Jack, Ken, Audrey, Ann, Clarke and Peter.
Mary’s greatest joy was her family and she was ours. We were blessed with a beautiful, strong, funny and kind wife and mom. Mom was the glue to our family and the reason today that we are who we are.
She was the best of the best and will be deeply missed but we are comforted by knowing that the phone line to heaven is always open.
Special thanks to the wonderful and compassionate care by the staff at Madonna Home and in her last weeks at St. Patrick’s home.
A very special thank you to Mom’s Friend Companion Lucia who helped to make Mom’s final weeks, fun and happy. We will be forever grateful to her.
Mom’s last outing was in the garden and Lucia captured the moment.
Not only beautiful, Mary was a talented, resourceful and courageous Air Force wife and helpmate to Jack, a Jet pilot and later a senior administrator and Commanding Officer.
She raised and guided their family of five in duty locations in western, central and eastern Canada as well as in France, Germany and the USA and, as well, accompanied and assisted Jack on an eight month special College assignment in England. Proud of her Irish heritage, she, with Jack, visited the Green Fields of Ireland, kissed the Blarney Stone, travelled the Ring of Kerry and visited the Dingle.
Mary served excellently as Jack’s advisor and hostess in social matters in diplomatic situations with visiting foreign military diplomats. And near the end of their Air Force careers she performed as an official member of the Canadian Forces College faculty in social functions. Always charming and witty, she indeed served Canada well, while at the same time, caring for and guiding her large and ever growing family as Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma. And ….she loved dearly their many family pets!
Funeral for Mary will take place on August, 9, 2023 at Beechwood Cemetery.
280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa, ON K1L 8A6
Pre- service gathering at 12 noon
Liturgy of the word - 1pm (Register here for livestream)
Graveside ceremony - 2 pm
Reception 2:30 to 4:30 (a time to share memories, tears, hugs, laughter for beloved and greatly missed Mary, Mom, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and friend to many).
In Memory of Mary / Mom the family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa Foundation.
Hail Mary, full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou
Among women,
And blessed is the fruit,
of thy womb, Jesus
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Amen
Digital Guestbook
Dan Dempsey, Victoria, BC
Mary Ann (Tobin)Little
I grew up with the Ferren family on Elm Street/ Hopkins Avenue in Peterborough Ontario. I lived two doors down...but their house was my second home. Faye was my friend, but her siblings treated me like one of their own.
Mary's nickname for me was "Chooch" that's jackass in Italian...to me it was a term of endearment. They were a loving family and I loved being a part of it!
My condolences and deepest sympathy to Jack and the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren that I never had the pleasure of meeting!
May Mary Rest in Peace...and her soul find the love and comfort in the arms of the Lord. God bless and keep you until we meet again Mary! ???
Lucia Caetano
I am honored to have been asked by Mary's husband (Jack) and family to be Mary's companion in her time of need, they all embraced me with love and respect making me feel like I was part of the family.
Mary and I became very good friends in the short meaningfully moments we shared.
The first day I met Mary, her son Robert and husband were playing music to Mary and the residents at Carlow at St.pats. I sat and sang along. When how "grateful thou art" song came along, our voices and spirits soared. We loved it.
I am blessed to have crossed paths with Mary and her Grand family, they are kind well mannered and liked by everyone.
We will meet again someday my friend Mary Therese Waters in eternity.
Kathryn Henry
Condolences to Uncle Jack & the entire family during this difficult . A beautiful tribute to an amazing life.
Neecy & Lawrence Brennan
“My favourite Uncle Jack”, Shaun, Michael, Teresa, Denise, Robert & families:
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of Mary, Mom, Grandma & Great Grandma.
“My favourite Aunt Mary” always had a special place in my heart. I always loved catching up with her, Uncle Jack and family and hearing about their latest Air Force adventures when they would regularly visit the Ferren’s in Peterborough. I remember visiting with Aunt Mary, Uncle Jack and my cousins at Beavermead Park in Peterborough, down at “the river” in Hastings, at Grandpa Ferren’s on Hopkins Ave. and when we travelled to London, one of their many homes over the years.
Aunt Mary and I had many a phone conversation over the years and many in person visits as well at Kawartha Heights Blvd and Ottawa.
Aunt Mary and Uncle Jack always felt like my second Mom and Dad and I felt very blessed to have them in my life. I will cherish my many memories with them and their family.
Uncle Jack’s eyes alway lit up when he talked about Aunt Mary. He adored her and they made a great life together with their 5 children. Their family grew over the years with grandchildren and great grandchildren and Aunt Mary talked of them all fondly and was very proud of them all. What a wonderful legacy of family and love she leaves for you all.
May you have eternal rest in heaven “my favourite Aunt Mary” where you will be reunited with your family and friends and where we will meet again some day.
Mark and Jane Tunney, Catharine, Eve and Joe.
So sorry for your loss, Sean, Jack, Michael, Teresa, Denise, Robert and your families. Your obituary gave a sense of the fullness of her life, and your importance in it. Glad we got to meet her a few times over the years when visiting Mary and Shaun. Love to you all. Mark and Jane
Chas & Veva Curtis
We are sorry for your loss.
James Stephenson
Uncle Jack and Cousins, condolences to you all. Aunt Mary will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.
Mary-Jo and Russell Meade
Dear brother Jack, Sean, Mike, Teresa, Denise and Robert and all of your extended families! Russell and I wish to extend our sincere sympathy to all of you for the loss of your beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother! Mary’s legacy will live on in all of you and the memories you share will certainly give you all comfort in the days and years to come. Cherish them always!
Love And Hugs from our family to yours!
John Corrigan
I was deeply saddened to learn of Mary's passing. She was such a wonderful lady and the two of you had such an amazing, adventure filled life together. My sincere condolences to Shaun, Michael, Teresa, Dense and Robert on the loss of your amazing mother. My thoughts are with Jack and your enter family.
Dear Jack and Family. My sincere condolences on the loss of Mary. Your beautiful tribute to her says it all. How lucky you were to have her by your side Jack for those 65 years. May all of those wonderful memories keep you strong. Her loving spirit will remain with you forever...