Marian Ferris

Marian Ferris, devoted wife of the late Gene Ferris, and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Marian Ferris was born in Galesburg, IL on October 6, 1929 to Paul “Lollie” and Blanche (Bailey) Wicall, and passed away peacefully on November 15th, 2024 at age 95.

Marian graduated from Galesburg High School in 1947 and attended Western Illinois University for two years before starting work as a Flight Attendant (they called them “Stewardess” back then) with TWA. She met her husband Gene Ferris while at Western Illinois, and they were married June 24th, 1951. Since at the time the airline didn’t allow married flight attendants, she left that field and went to work for Caterpillar Tractor as an office secretary. In the early 1950’s Marian and Gene moved to Bloomington-Normal, IL where he began his career with State Farm Insurance. Marian and Gene stayed in Bloomington-Normal for 18 ½ years and then moved to Glen Ellyn, IL in 1973 as Gene began a new position with Prudential Insurance. Gene retired in 1991 and then the two of them traveled extensively, enjoying trips to Hawaii, Scotland, Continental Europe, Canada and elsewhere. Marian spent her final few years at the Brookdale Glen Ellyn where she continued to enjoy family and friends and the many activities offered there.

Marian is survived by two children, Darcy and Dru and six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Marian enjoyed travel and spending time with family and friends and serving her church, 1st Presbyterian of Glen Ellyn, as deacon, elder, and on committees as needed. Those that knew Marian best knew that she lived to serve others; she was a gracious host, a tireless family cook when needed, and always ready to offer a hand of help or a ride when someone needed it.

Memorial Service at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 1st Presbyterian Church, 550 N. Main Street in Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Marian’s honor to 1st Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn, IL.

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