Mary Margaret Ferrara

Mary Margaret Elizabeth Ferrara was born in Kansas City Missouri on June 2, 1951; the second of nine children to Michael R. and Margaret Mary Ferrara in Kansas City, Mo. Mary passed away on the morning of May 3, 2026.

Mary’s early life was first lived in Kansas City, Missouri and then, at age 8, moved with her family to Dallas, Texas where the family established long term roots. From an early age, Mary became a second mother to the entire family but especially to the last 3 siblings; James, Richard and Thomas; a responsibility at which she excelled and happily performed.

At the same time as she was assuming second-in-command duties for her family, Mary began to display an interest in hairdressing. She started to recruit siblings and some very brave neighbors as her test models. Luckily, Mary distinguished herself as a natural talent in this area and pursued her interests in hair care by becoming a licensed cosmetologist. During her career as a hair dresser, Mary worked in the top salons in Dallas, was published in local papers, journals and magazines and was responsible for producing industry hair care and beauty shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Mary’s leisure pursuits included a variety of athletic accomplishments. As a youngster, Mary would compete in the country club swimming and diving summer holiday games and would customarily sweep the trophy stand with her aquatic skills. In her twenties, Mary was a cracker-jack first basemen on a co-ed, fast pitch softball team and possessed a legendary throwing arm throughout the amateur local leagues. When she retired her glove, Mary then turned to masters swimming and could customarily be found swimming in one of the 2 center fast lanes.

Mary had a large and enthusiastic capacity for living life imaginatively. She loved to travel, entertain small groups and host large parties in her home. Mary’s cooking skills were developed early in life and honed by both her mother and her grandmother, Crocifissa Fragale Ferrara. She became her father’s favorite holiday cook and assumed responsibility for the large family holiday celebrations… much to the happy relief of her mother.

Throughout her life, Mary was a big sister to so many beyond her immediate family. Long term neighbors such as the Neuhoff and Tarantino families remember her as such. So while the loss of Mary as a sister and a friend is grieved today, the memory of Mary and her life provides comfort to those who love her.

Mary is survived by 8 siblings: Mike Ferrara, wife Patti; Matthew Ferrara, Ann Basilone, husband John; Gina Ferrara, Barbara Ferrara, James Ferrara, spouse David Griffin; Richard Ferrara, Thomas Ferrara. In addition to her siblings Mary is also survived by 14 nieces and nephews and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews along with Haydee Munoz; beloved friend and honorary daughter within Mary’s life. Late in life, Mary was married to Russel Reed. He survives her.

A viewing will be held at Sparkman Hillcrest, Northwest Highway on May 16th at 1:00 pm. Graveside service to follow. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a Parkinson’s Disease organization or the charity of your choice