Cathy H. Ferris

Cathy Ferris passed away peacefully in Medina, Ohio, on November 11, 2025. Cherished mother of Stephen (Jackie); the late Scott (Joy); Loving grandmother of Owen, Olivia, Colin & Quinn; Loving sister of Marilyn Toumey (Dion); Loving brother of the late Tom Morgan; Loving aunt to Joe Petkovich; Loving cousin to Marla Read Capper (John); the late Scott Read, Jeff Read & Christine Read; Loving niece to the late Helen Read; Daughter of the late Kenneth Hammond, Eleanor Morgan & Larry Morgan (stepdad); Survived by her former husband Peter; former daughter in law Kelly Galey; and a loving friend to many.

Cathy was born in Akron, Ohio. She was raised in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. After graduating from Cuyahoga Falls High School, Cathy was the first of her family to attend and graduate from college (Heidelberg College). Soon after graduation, she embarked on a 37 year career as an educator, spending most of those years as a kindergarten teacher. In a special way, she passed away on Veteran’s Day. Cathy was learned in genealogy spending countless hours in county courthouses and libraries across the region discovering our ancestors. She incredibly uncovered descendants (veterans) who had fought in both the Revolutionary War and in the Civil War.

Cathy has a special place in the hearts of many of Steve and Scott’s childhood friends. She and Pete often hosted gatherings at the house, where they talked, played games and watched sports on television. Cathy and Pete supported Steve, Scott and many of their friends over the years watching them all play in many sporting contests. She and Pete enjoyed vacationing during summers on windjammer boats in Maine and on Nantucket Island. Cathy was perhaps most delighted with her 4 English Cocker Spaniels (Tucker, Matty, Gracie & Elizabeth). She made Matty a Champion after many years on the show circuit.

Cathy was especially proud of her selection as a teenager to attend the 1959 Girl Scout Jamboree in Colorado. Approximately 8,500 teenage girl scouts attended making it the largest gathering of its kind in the Western World at the time. She participated in the 1978 March for the Equal Rights Amendment. The March in Washington, D.C. was the largest women's rights march in history at the time with more than 100,000 participants. After retiring, Cathy spent many days volunteering at the Holden Arboretum leading student groups.

But, most of all, she had a unique and a special connection to her grandchildren. For many years, she was the sole caretaker of her grandchildren as their parents pursued careers and livelihoods. Cathy and her grandchildren spent countless hours over books, playing games, crafting and day trips of all sorts. She also had a beautiful way of doing birthdays and Christmas for them. We all are going to miss her, but find joy knowing she is reunited with her son Scott.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life ceremony this Spring at the Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Cuyahoga Falls. There will not be any services or visitation at this time.