- Date Of Birth: December 24, 1934
- Date Of Death: September 28, 2022
- State: Pennsylvania
Mary Margaret (Ortwein) Ferry passed away on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at the age of 87. She was the loving wife of John Ferry, with whom she shared over 68 years of marriage. She was born in Bethlehem to William Ortwein and Catherine (Tokar). She attended Holy Ghost Grade School and then graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School in 1952. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 406 in Fountain Hill, PA where she served as President and was chief cook and managed the kitchen, organizing and cooking for weddings and special events.
Most of her working years were at Milcrest Manufacturing in Fountain Hill, PA from 1968-1986 where she was the Office Manager. Upon moving to Chaddsford, PA she became employed by the DuPont Foundation in Wilmington, DE as Office Manager from 1986 until she retired in 1999. Along with her husband Jack, she owned and operated the Fountain Hill Cleaners and the Chocolate Emporium in Chaddsford, PA.
Helping the community was a way of life for her. In Fountain Hill, PA, she was the Bethlehem Library Representative which through her hard work ensured that funds were not cut and the children continued to have a library. While living in Ocean Pines, MD, she dedicated her service to the opening and management of a Thrift Store to support Diakonia, a West Ocean City provider of support and shelter. Other involvement included: Secretary of AARP of Worcester County. She along with her husband Jack were strong supporters and volunteers for the United Rehabilitation Services in Hazelton, PA and the Worcester County Development Center in MD where she was Secretary. A few of the awards she was honored with include: Bethlehem Public Library Volunteer Service Recognition. Along with her husband Jack, she was the Maryland AARP Volunteer of the Year Marlyichel Award and the Ocean City, MD Knights of Columbus Citizens of the Year Award.
When not raising her children or working, she enjoyed reading, playing the piano, gardening and baking. It was nothing for her and her husband Jack to throw a dinner party for twelve or more at their house cooking and entertaining. She was an active Catholic parishioner and a member of John Neumman’s in Ocean Pines, MD. During her youth she was a member of Holy Ghost in Bethlehem, PA where she was a member of the Catholic Youth Organization singing in the Glee ClubMost of her adult life she was a member of Saint Ursula’s in Fountain Hill, PA. While working in Wilmington, DE, she volunteered at the Franciscan Center by scheduling masses, organizing events and performing fund raising. Through her efforts, she received a grant for $400,000 from the Dupont Foundation for the rehabilitation of the chapel.
Survivors: In addition to her loving husband John, she is survived by her children John Jr. (Cathy Gallagher), Kathleen, Karen (late Frank Neglia), Jeffrey (Carmen Davila), Marguerite (Michael Picucci), Patrick (Colette Gaughan), siblings Catherine McShane and William Ortwein (Joan); 12 grandchildren and & 8 great-grand children.
Ocean City, MD 21842.
