Margaret Louise Ferrie

Throughout her life, Margaret Ferrie's radiant smile and loving nature lifted others' spirits and gave them encouragement. Mrs. Ferrie died May 10, 2004 in Heartland Health Care, Austin, TX. She was 80.

Margaret Louise Weiss was born June 24, 1923 in San Antonio, the daughter of Fred P. and Zulia Harding Weiss. Raised and educated in San Antonio, she graduated with honors from Brackenridge High School in 1941. She won a college scholarship, but elected to complete courses at Droughns Business College, then worked in civil service at the San Antonio Arsenal.

She married G. Robert "Bob" Ferrie on November 20, 1948 in Grace Lutheran Church. The couple made their home for more than 50 years in San Antonio, where they raised their three children.

Mr. Ferrie had a long career as a radio newsman in San Antonio. The couple celebrated their golden anniversary in 1998 with their family.

Mrs. Ferrie was a fulltime mother for many years, actively supporting her children in their school activities, sports and church activities.

She later worked as a teacher's assistant in special education classes at Northwood Elementary and Dellview Elementary schools. She loved teaching children to read, and a co-worker said her dedication to this work` helped children with serious learning difficulties succeed in reading.

She retired in the mid-1980s and enjoyed traveling with her husband, including two trips to Europe.

Shortly after her husband died on January 2, 2002, she moved to Austin to be near family members. She had a strong Christian faith and was for many years an active member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. She most recently belonged to Pilgrim Presbyterian Church.

Mrs. Ferrie was very proud of her children and grandchildren. She loved spending time with all of her family, including her beloved nephews and nieces and their children.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. Fred H. Weiss, and a sister, Helen Dorn.

Survivors include a daughter and two sons and their spouses. Louise and Doug Rose of Eugene, OR, George and Donna Ferrie of Austin and Brian and Anita Ferrie of Lake Oswego, OR; four grandchildren, Kathryn "Katie" Rose of Portland, OR, Zachary Ferrie, Austin Ferrie and Nicole Ferrie, all of Lake Oswego; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Frances and Fred Rodriguez of Austin and Mary Holt Long and Bill Long of San Antonio, and brother-in-law, Bob Dorn of San Antonio; and her late husband's sister and brother-in-law, Beall and David Litsis of San Mateo, CA.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pilgrim Presbyterian Church or to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas, 2224 Walsh Tarlton Lane, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78746 www.centralandsouthtexaswish.org.