Marilyn “Tiny” Ferguson, 84, of Grand Island, NY, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late William and Mildred (Allinson) Felker; beloved wife of almost 60 years to John Ferguson; cherished mom of Dr. Michael (Jacqueline) Ferguson, the late Dr. Shane (Dr. Gail) Ferguson, Dr. Shawn (Cheryl) Ferguson and the loving dog mom of Abby; amazing grandma to Bennett (Alexandra), Madeline, Grace (Michael), Jamie, Rebecca, Jeremy, Tobey and Anne; and the sister of Addie Mae (late Edwin) Ohneth and Carolyn (late Robert) Dixon. Marilyn is also survived by many nieces, nephews and special friends.
Marilyn loved her family beyond measure and spoiled her grandkids, attending countless school functions and hosting overnight “camps” with them, complete with special foods, crafts and activities. Her grandchildren will always remember her for her love, warmth, and hugs, her wonderful cookies, and even her “magic reindeer dust.”
She was close friends with all of her neighbors, past and present. “Miss Marilyn” had a special grandmother-like fondness for the young children in particular, who adored her.
Marilyn was always proud of raising three sons who all went on to become physicians practicing in Western New York. Her sons were always equally proud of her and appreciative of everything she gave them to raise them right, and to endlessly love and support them as they grew and started families of their own.
Marilyn loved being creative and making everything beautiful around her. She had a wonderful knack for “bedazzling” things, including items in her home and garden, items she wore, and even her spectacularly wrapped gifts. She particularly enjoyed working at Liztech Jewelry while her sons were in college, where she crafted beautiful handmade broaches and pins.
Marilyn tapped her many creative talents to raise money for KIDS CREATE HOPE, a pediatric cancer research fund that had been endowed in memory of her late son, Shane. Her floral arrangements, in particular, were a huge hit at the foundation’s annual craft show booth.
Marilyn was an avid gardener, producing magazine-worthy displays complete with beautiful color and intricate fairy gardens. Her gardens (and her personality) had just the right amount of bling to make them shine.
She also enjoyed cheering on the Buffalo Bills, fishing, and a good TV show or book (preferably, something with dragons!). Even as she entered her later years, she stayed very sharp and attentively followed the complex plotlines of her favorite shows because she took so much pleasure in discussing them with family.
Marilyn loved to make things sparkle but nothing will ever sparkle brighter than her own soul.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 13 from 2 – 7 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, where a memorial service will follow beginning at 7:00 PM. Private interment will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, NY.
Flowers are gratefully declined. If desired, donations in Marilyn’s name may be made to the Shane G. Ferguson, MD Pediatric Cancer Research Fund c/o Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263.SERVICES
Visitation
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
Memorial Service
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
7:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
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