Mary J. Ferguson

1939 - 2025

Mary J. Ferguson

December 9, 1939 - August 13, 2025

Mary J. Ferguson, 85, of Davenport, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at MercyOne-Genesis in Davenport, surrounded by her loving family.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held at a later date, to be determined. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mary Jean Dillon was born December 9, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pa., the daughter of Eugene and Frances (O'Brien) Dillon. She attended West Catholic Girls School in Philadelphia, where she was honored to be named 8th grade May Queen at Our Lady of Victory for the devotional celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. After high school, she began her career at Bell Telephone Company.

It was at a Holy Cross dance that she met the love of her life, James G. Ferguson. Jim noticed the beautiful brunette and this led to the beginning of their lifetime romance. Mary loved music and dancing. To her excitement, she even made an appearance on American Bandstand. After a four-year courtship, they were united in marriage on June 11, 1960.

Together, they shared 65 years of love and devotion, celebrated most recently with a joyful family gathering in June. Their life's journey included stops in Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, Tampa, Cleveland, and Bettendorf, where they raised their four children. Mary devoted herself to her family as a stay-at-home mom while supporting Jim in his career with Oscar Mayer.

Mary was known for her radiant smile, warm heart, and kind spirit. She had a gift for conversation and delighted in offering thoughtful compliments-whether to family, friends, or complete strangers. She carried herself with impeccable style, always ensuring she looked her best, with a special fondness for jewelry-especially anything that sparkled.

Creative and generous, Mary enjoyed sewing and decoupage in her younger years, crafting handmade gifts that became precious keepsakes. She was a thoughtful, eloquent card writer, quick to send heartfelt notes of thanks, congratulations, and encouragement. Mary had a true gift for giving, always finding the perfect way to make her loved ones feel special.

Above all, Mary cherished her family. She treasured time spent with Jim, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and loved nothing more than gathering together, sharing conversation, laughter, and love. Family road trips back to Pennsylvania, vacations to Florida, and magical memories at Disney World were among her greatest joys.

Mary's legacy lives on in the love she gave so freely and the joy she brought to all who knew her.

Those left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband, Jim, Davenport; children and their spouses, her daughter, Kathleen (Greg) Byrd, Davenport, son, Jim, Davenport, son, Drew (Michelle), Neola, Iowa, daughter, Erin (Tom) Mueller, Davenport; grandchildren, Kirk (Amanda) Mueller, Davenport, Tyler Ferguson, Omaha, Neb., Dylan (Kristian) Gardiner, Riverside, Iowa, Kylie (Kyle) Jolas, Houston, Texas, Garrett Byrd, Denver, Colo., Brant Mueller, Davenport, Carolyn Byrd, Davenport; great-grandchildren, Fraya, Piper and Raegan Gardiner, Madison and Liam Mueller; sister, Frani (Joe) Biggins, Waynesboro, Va.; brother, Joe (Joan) Dillon, Georgetown, Del.; along with additional brother and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews located in Pennsylvania, Texas, Colorado, Virginia, Michigan, New Jersey and Maryland.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Frances; sister, Claire Muldoon, Conshohocken, Pa.; brother, Leo Dillon; sister-in-law, Joan Dillon, Philadelphia, Pa.; and sister-in-law, Joanne Kokol, Aston, Pa.; nieces, Claire Muldoon, Tina Dillon, Kristi Clennon; and nephew, William Muldoon.