Sr. Mary Ann Ferguson OP

Sister Mary Ann formerly known as Sister Mary Annunciata of Grand Rapids born in Alpena, MI died on May 6, 2023. She was 86 years old and a Dominican Sister for 69 years. She received a Bachelor of Music Education degree and Master’s in Religious Education from Aquinas College and a Master's Degree in School Music Education from the University of Illinois. Sister Mary Ann was a founding member of the Mellow D’s, a musical group that played and sang for many churches and schools both locally and as far afield as San Diego, California. She was an accomplished pianist, and skilled in playing the guitar, bass, and other instruments. She composed innumerable hymns and songs for liturgies and other events. You are Special and Song of Commitment are just two of the compositions that are still sung. She taught music education at Holy Family, Saginaw; St. Francis, Traverse City; St. Boniface, Bay City; St. Joseph, Muskegon; St. Stephen, Marywood Academy, Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Alphonsus and Stepping Stones Montessori School, Grand Rapids. She also served as school secretary at Immaculate Heart of Mary and Stepping Stones Montessori, Grand Rapids and St. Charles School, Greenville. After retiring from teaching, she contributed her administrative skills to the Word Project for seven years. Sister Mary Ann wrote, “. . . I am grateful for all that has been and for all that is yet to be. God truly has done marvelous deeds. ‘Break into song, sing praise.’” Choirs of angels have welcomed their newest member with joy. We who knew and loved her are grateful for all the years of good music, laughter and the presence of a warm and friendly Sister, teacher, and friend. Sister Mary Ann is survived by her brothers Thomas Ferguson; Michael (Sue) Ferguson and Patrick (Francie) Ferguson; nieces, nephews, many friends and members of her Dominican Community. Sister Mary Ann will repose at Marywood Chapel of the Word, 111 Lakeside Dr NE, with visitation on Tuesday, May 9 from 6:00-7:00 pm followed by a Remembering Service at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 10 at 10:00 am at Marywood Chapel of the Word. Sisters, Family, and Close Friends are invited to join us in person for the Remembering Service and Funeral. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Sister Mary Ann Ferguson’s name may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters.

Tributes

Sr. Mary Ann Ferguson OP

June 29, 1936 - May 6, 2023