Nayibe (Naya) Ferris

Naya was born on October 4, 1936 in Fusagasuga, Columbia to Jose and Lolita (Castro) Salomon. She married Antonio W. Ferris on December 10, 1960 in North Tonawanda, NY.

Naya is survived by her husband; her children Denise Ferris (Chan-li Lin) of New York, NY, Frederick Ferris (Denise Ferris) of Naperville, IL, and Kevin Ferris (Danielle Ferris) of Phoenix, AZ; her three grandchildren, Kylie Ferris, Abigayle Plutz and Vincent Phillip Ferris; and her brothers Tony, Michele and Jose of San Diego, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son Phillip Ferris of San Francisco, CA.

Naya had a wonderful life. She learned how to make beautiful wedding cakes in order to work while staying home to raise her family. She lovingly made many of the clothes her children wore, including matching winter coats one year for her and her daughter. Once her kids were grown, she worked as a Senior Translator for Caterpillar. When her mother, Lolita required home care, Naya brought her home to care for her. She loved gardening: growing her own vegetables and tending to her flowers and her fruit trees. She loved generously and best exhibited this love through her cooking. She knew everyone’s five favorite meals and specialty treats; and she would have each person’s favorites prepared when friends and family visited. Until she was blessed with grandchildren of her own, she enjoyed being a “grandmother” for Anthony and Andrew LaHood. She loved and touched many people and she will be remembered always.

Naya was a member of Les Cher Amis de la France, the Itoo Society and St. Thomas Catholic Church.

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at 11am at St. Thomas Catholic Church. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 20, 2014 from 5pm to 8pm at the church. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Inurnment will be at Resurrection Mausoleum at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or St. Thomas Catholic Church. Arrangements were handled through Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton in Peoria.