Noël Ferris

1948 - 2017

Noël Ferris obituary, 1948-2017, Sacramento, CA

Noël Ferris

1948 - 2017

BORN

1948

DIED

2017

Noël Ferris Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 24, 2017.
She burned bright. Noel Ferris lost her life to ALS on May 21, 2017. She was surrounded by her family and her beloved dogs when she took her last breath. Noel was a native Sacramentan and a fierce champion of her hometown. Born on December 21, 1948 to Dr. George and Peggy Ferris, she attended Holy Spirit School, then went to high school at Santa Catalina in Monterey. She graduated from Stanford University and earned her J.D. degree at McGeorge School of Law where she met the love of her life, Parker White. Excellence was the hallmark of everything she did. She embarked on a career as a trial lawyer that was unparalleled and unprecedented. She won numerous trials throughout northern California and was the first lawyer in Sacramento to be inducted into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only organization limited to 500 members. She was inducted as President of the organization this year. She was also a Regent of the University of the Pacific and was a champion of young women lawyers. What defined Noel was her love of family. She was involved in every aspect of her children's lives. She baked for every bake sale, was present at every sporting event, and sewed their costumes every Halloween. She loved dinner parties, Lake Tahoe, James Taylor, crispy tacos, her animals, babies, and baking from scratch. Her hundreds of handmade quilts inhabit the lives and bedrooms of her friends and children. She was an exceptional gardener. Her garden has never been so beautiful as it is today. She is survived by her husband, Parker White; her daughters, Abigail Dillen, Caroline Ferris White, and Hilary Ferris White; Sue and Elyse Schoenig; David and Megan Ferris; and her animals: Maggie, Bennie, Juno, and Black Cat. She will be missed. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on May 30, 2017 at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, 1066 26th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816. If Noel made you a quilt, it was her wish you bring it to the church with you. Interment to follow at East Lawn Memorial Park, 4300 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95819. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to support the fight against human trafficking, a cause that Noel championed: IATL Foundation, 5841 Cedar Lake Road, Suite 204, Minneapolis, MN 55416, Attn: The Coalition Against Human Trafficking.

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Sign Noël Ferris's Guest Book

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September 13, 2017

Jeannie Meagher posted to the memorial.

August 9, 2017

Melissa Aliotti posted to the memorial.

June 27, 2017

Doris Haggard Fife posted to the memorial.

Jeannie Meagher

September 13, 2017

I remember well the first time I met Noel. She was a light brighter than a star. Our paths crossed over the years, living in the same neighborhood. She was always friendly to me. I enjoyed Noel and Parker. I thought there would be time in Noel's future for us to become friends. I knew she was involved with her family, her law practice. I was naive to put off getting to know Noel better. I am shocked by her death. Sad at the loss for her family and friends. Will forever remember her as a bright shining light in the Universe we call life.

Melissa Aliotti

August 9, 2017

Noel was a brilliant presence personally and professionally. So many people just in my small corner of this life have been profoundly affected by her - and by her passing. Please know that there are many of us holding your family and her closest friends in our thoughts and prayers as we all grieve your loss.

Doris Haggard Fife

June 27, 2017

I knew this spark of bright light as a very young girl. May you find grace with her passing.

James Ward

June 9, 2017

Dear Parker,
I am saddened by Noel's passing and heartened to know how brightly your love for one another illuminated your lives together.

Hossam & Linda Buzgheia

May 30, 2017

Dear Parker, Abbie, Caroline, and Hilary. We remember
Noel fondly from our time at Sutter Lawn and swim team. She was generous and talented with her time and her many gifts. We treasure the beautiful swim portrait taken by Noel of Vanessa.
Our sincere condolences,

Larry Levine

May 30, 2017

A huge loss for the Sacramento legal community and for McGeorge School of Law. My thoughts are with Parker and with the many others who grieve this enormous loss.

Jan Derrah

May 30, 2017

Dear Parker and family,
My sincerest condolences. Noel was a remarkable woman that will surely be missed by all who knew her. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Allan Hardcastle

May 29, 2017

Dear Parker and Family:; I am shocked and saddened by the news of Noel's passing. She was such a help to me in law school and I always admired her intellect balanced with a great sense of humor. May God grant you peace in this difficult time.

Sharon Duffy Verhoef

May 29, 2017

Dear Parker,

My condolences to you and your children and extended family on the sad loss of Noel.

We were suitemates for a time at Santa Catalina. Her intelligent wit, her sense of humor, and a gift for improvisation made her the most fun roommate!

Evident in her character even then was her positive approach to life and her affirmation of others. I am so glad to be among those whose lives have intersected with hers.

She will be lovingly remembered.

Sharon Duffy

Virginia Sajac

May 28, 2017

Dear Parker and family and fur kids of Noel,
This is very sad news, I had no idea Noel was sick. I ran into her at Corti Brothers and walking in the hood and she was always so upbeat. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Ginny

Jim & Mary Beth Montgomery

May 28, 2017

We are shocked by the surprising news of Noel's passing. It seems like just yesterday we were sitting in class together. It surely brings home the frailty of life and makes us grateful for every day we can share with good people. Noel was truly a good and beautiful person and I'm sure her passing has left a great emptiness in your heart. We are holding you in our thoughts during this most difficult time.

rob franceschi

May 28, 2017

Parker - So sorry to hear about Noel. She will be missed. My best to you and your family.

Shari Anderson

May 26, 2017

Parker and Family: I have very fond memories of Noel and your family from our acquaintances back in the 80's. I had ran into her late last year. It was good to see her shining face. I was so sad to hear this and of her illness. May God be with you and the family.

Christine Madden

May 26, 2017

Our family sends our prayers and condolences to all the Harris/ White family. Noel was an important figure in our daughter, Carolann's, life. Blessings for all. Christine, Lew, and Carolann Madden

May 26, 2017

Dear Parker and family --- Noel was a neighbor of ours growing up, and she remained a favorite of my parents, after George and Peggy were gone. She was always kind, smart, upbeat and gracious. Whenever our paths crossed over the years, she was warm and funny. The world will miss her intelligence and her marvelous spirit.

Sally Schiro Gregg

Ruth and Jack Wurgaft

May 26, 2017

Parker, Ruth and I extend our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Noel. We enjoyed spending time with the both of you in Spain and Morocco, and will always remember Noel as she was then. Our best to you and your family

Paula and Sukh

May 25, 2017

Our heartfelt condolences to Parker, Abby, Caroline, and Hillary. The exquisite beauty of Noel's quilts are emblematic of a remarkable woman. We are blessed to have known her and will miss her.

Minna

May 25, 2017

Dear Parker, Our thoughts and prayers go to you and the girls in this time of grief, Even though we did not meet Noel that often, but we do have wonderful memories of the times spent together, and a beautiful quilt made by her.
In grief with you.
Rabinder and Minna

May 25, 2017

The family and staff of Burr's Fountain send our deepest sympathy to you family. So sorry for your loss.

Steve and Ellie White

May 25, 2017

Good evening Parker and the rest of Noels family. Things have a way of happening and we pass on our regrets. Uncle Steve and Aunt Ellie White...

rich johnston

May 25, 2017

noel was a loyal customer and friend. both parker and her family always had a smile and an uplifting word. she will be sorely missed. east sacramento hdwe and myself offer our heartfelt condolences. i will say a prayer.

Ann Oldfather

May 25, 2017

Noel Ferris was a special person. She went out of her way to make me feel welcome as a new member of IATL years ago. I love the picture her family picked to accompany this obituary-- it captures her spirit and brings a smile to my face, too. She will be truly missed.

Greg Finn

May 25, 2017

Noel was a neighborhood treasure and will be missed.

Susan Pringle Cohan

May 25, 2017

I am so sad to hear of Noel's passing, her spirit was huge, a life-force. Although we didn't see each other often, just knowing she was in the world made me happy. I hold Parker and their family in my heart. I will be there for the Memorial to honor and celebrate her incredible life.

George and Tricia Haley

May 25, 2017

She burned the brightest. Our heartfelt condolences to you all. We hold Noel and all of you in our hearts.

Bill and Pat Mills

May 25, 2017

We are shocked and saddened to hear of Noel's illness and sudden passing. We appreciated not only her expertise but also her warmth and humor. Her wonderful personality filled the room and she was a friend to all. We will miss her very much. Parker, our prayers are with you and your family. With love, Bill and Pat Mills

Fred, Robin, and Sebastian Cunningham

May 25, 2017

Parker: Noel was the brightest light in any room. She was one of the first people I met in IATL, and she immediately made me feel at home. We will miss her terribly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

May 25, 2017

May God loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad time PSALMS 29:11

Kate Neville

May 25, 2017

I am sorry I never had the pleasure of meeting my cousin-in-law in person, and I thank you for sharing a small piece of your life together electronically. From the opposite side of the country I will be with you in spirit on the 30th. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Bill and Marie Baxley

May 25, 2017

Parker, Heaven is more lively. Noel was such a warm, loving person, and I know she will be greatly missed. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

May 25, 2017

My condolences to the family, may the strength and peace from god give you comfort during this sad time psalm 29 : 11

May 25, 2017

It was such a pleasure to spend time with Noel and Parker in Italy. My heart breaks for the family and for the loss of Noel. She was a special soul indeed. May she rest in peace.
Leanne Pierce Kruse

May 24, 2017

We both loved Noel, and our hearts are breaking. Carole and Ronny Krist

Howard & Sherry Coker

May 24, 2017

We are so sad to hear of Noel's passing. May your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.

Howard & Sherry Coker

Mary Lou and John Micheaels

May 24, 2017

Another angel is in heaven.

Heather Starmer

May 24, 2017

Noel, I will always remember you as one of the brightest lights of Santa Catalina's class of 1966. You've left us with a heart full of wonderful memories.

Carrie Sage

May 24, 2017

I will always cherish the deep and healing time I was able to spend with her and you all as a family in her last weeks. My memories will be filled with the amazing light and joy she created when she walked into a room. Blessings and love to you Parker, Abbie, Hilary, Caroline, Sue and Elyse.

DevaVani and Donna Lawrence

May 24, 2017

Dear Parker, we are so saddened to hear of Noel's passing and wish we could be there with you on Tuesday. May you feel the blessings of peace, strength, love ... we know you have the latter in abundance already.

Phoebe Baker

May 24, 2017

Parker, Abbie, Caroline and Hillary. My memories with Noel and Abbie during the period she served as manager at the One Shoal Court apartment complex while in law school in the mid 70s have always brought a smile to my lips. While we lost contact tbrough the years as she married and began law practice and expanded her family her joy for life and laughter have never been forgotten. I send my condolences.

Ron Robie

May 24, 2017

Parker- She was a wonderful lawyer and an equally wonderful person. She will be missed by the entire legal community. It was a pleasure to have known her.

Christine craft

May 24, 2017

A life well-lived

Carol Buttery

May 24, 2017

She was a trailblazer for all of us, living her life with grace and dignity all the way. She loved her family to the moon and back. I will miss her intelligence, her acerbic wit and her love of life. Rest well my friend. Job well done

May 24, 2017

She was a trailblazer for all of us, living her life fully, with dignity and grace until the end. She loved her family to the moon and back. I will miss her intelligence, her acerbic wit and her love for life. Rest well my friend. Job well done.

Terri Crosetti

May 24, 2017

My heart goes out to all of you. May your loving memories of laughter, love and connection carry you all through your time of grief. She will continue to live in all she touched.

Liz Palmer

May 24, 2017

Dear Parker and family, I hope that your love of Noel carries you through and gives you strength. I am so sorry for your loss.

Karen

May 24, 2017

She was one of the brightest, toughest and hardest working women I was privileged to know. She was an example of both femininity and strength. Parker, you and Noel together were an example of a healthy, loving, relationship and partnership. I loved watching you two giggle and hug outside my office even though I'd tell you to "take it somewhere else." I am so sad for you, your amazing daughters and all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

Tom Comerford

May 23, 2017

If the measure of a person is truly taken in their manner in which they face their mortality, Noel exceeds all boundaries of courage. Parker, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Tom Comerford

Mary & Robert Szabo

May 23, 2017

Parker, Hillary, Abbie, & Caroline,
Noel was one of our favorite people. We'll never forget our dinners together. We hope you realize how many lives she touched. She will be missed. Our hearts are broken.
Mary & Bob Szabo

Wendy York

May 23, 2017

Dear Parker, I am so sorry for your loss. Noel was a trailblazer for her fellow female colleagues and a bright light. She will be missed. I pray that you are comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. Wendy York

Still, the best coconut cupcakes I have ever eaten.

Jill Shortley

May 23, 2017

Marvel at the stars on a summer night, find joy in a sunset over the lake, pause to smell the scent of a sweet pea. Noel is everywhere . . . in every beautiful quilt she lovingly stitched, every recipe she shared with pride, and most importantly, in the beautiful daughters that were her greatest joy. I admired Noel greatly and I am better for knowing her.

Helen Berger

May 23, 2017

Dearest Parker,
We are crushed. Our deepest condolences to you and the girls. Noel will always be alive in our memories. Her legacy of love, humor, determination and excellence will live with everyone lucky enough to have shared her life.
Love,
Helen Berger and Craig Caldwell

Don Ford

May 23, 2017

Parker - I am so sorry and my heart hurts for you. Noel and you were a great team and I loved you both so much. I still remember being at your house when Noel was putting up the Christmas tree. Such a beautiful person. Don

Stan Fleshman

May 23, 2017

My dear nursery mate. and friend of forty years, rest in peace.

Willam Barber

May 23, 2017

Journey well, courageous friend. Thank you for everything. My love to you, always. My family and I are immeasurably saddened by your passing. Sending love from our family to yours. Always.

The Neelys

May 23, 2017

Noel was an amazing person. My family and I had the pleasure of working for her for many years. We are deeply saddened by this news. Parker and family, may all the wonderful and happy memories of her help you during this difficult and tragic time.

Cary and Jay Bricker/Leach

May 22, 2017

Parker- There are so many young women who were inspired by and became marvelous trial lawyers because of remarkable Noel. We send you and your family love and are deeply saddened by your loss.

May 22, 2017

Parker - Words can't express my condolences. I am so sorry for your loss and the loss of the entire community. Linda Dankman

David Brown

May 22, 2017

Parker--to you and your family, we are so saddened on Noel's untimely passing. Our deepest condolences. David and Debra Brown and Family.

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Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home

5401 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95819

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Sign Noël Ferris's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 13, 2017

Jeannie Meagher posted to the memorial.

August 9, 2017

Melissa Aliotti posted to the memorial.

June 27, 2017

Doris Haggard Fife posted to the memorial.