Mary J. Ferguson

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

Mary Jean Dillon was born December 9, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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, IA, daughter Erin (Tom) Mueller, Davenport; grandchildren: Kirk (Amanda) Mueller, Davenport, Tyler Ferguson, Omaha, NE, Dylan (Kristian) Gardiner, Riverside, IA, Kylie (Kyle) Jolas, Houston, TX, Garrett Byrd, Denver, CO, Brant Mueller, Davenport, Carolyn Byrd, Davenport. Great grandchildren: Fraya, Piper & Raegan Gardiner, Madison & Liam Mueller. Sister Frani (Joe) Biggins, Waynesboro, VA, brother Joe (Joan) Dillon, Georgetown, DE. Along with additional brother and sister-in-laws, and many nieces and nephews located in PA, TX, CO, VA, MI, NJ and MD.

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.

Services: There will be a Memorial Mass and joint Celebration of Life for Jim & Mary to be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church – 4097 18th Street, Bettendorf, IA 52722. Visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m., and a luncheon afterwards (location to be announced). Please see mortuary link for additional event details.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Mary’s honor to the Susan G. Komen Foundation or Catholic Charities.