Mary L. Ferguson, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on May 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on October 13, 1947, in the tranquil town of Zeeland, Michigan, Mary was the beloved daughter of Dirk Cornelius Bloemendaal and Lillian Ruth Bloemendaal. Her life was a testament to the values of compassion, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those she loved. Mary’s journey through life was graced by a heart full of love and laughter. She met the love of her life, Ira “Bud” Ferguson, and together they embarked on a beautiful journey, marrying on June 19, 1965. For over 60 years, they built a life rich in love and shared dreams, raising their four wonderful children in the close-knit communities of Holland and Zeeland. A graduate of Muskegon College, Mary pursued her passion for caring for others by earning a degree in nursing. Her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse was a lifelong vocation, through which she touched countless lives with her gentle care and empathy. Mary was a caregiver at heart, always ready with a comforting word or a healing touch for those in need. Her vibrant spirit extended beyond her professional life. Mary was an avid gardener, finding solace and joy in nurturing the earth and watching her garden bloom. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, her home a haven where the door was always open, and laughter was a constant companion. Her easy smile and giving heart left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate to know her. Mary was a devoted member of the Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, where she found community and spiritual nourishment for many years. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, offering strength and comfort to her and those around her.
Mary is survived by her loving husband, Ira “Bud” Ferguson; her children, Mark (Christine Shafer) Ferguson, Sandra Ferguson, and Danny (Shannon Cooper) Ferguson; her 15 cherished grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; her sister, Betty Walters; and many dear friends. Although she leaves behind a world without her presence, her spirit lives on in the hearts of her family and all those she touched. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathleen Ferguson – Appledorn in 2020; grandson, Austin Joe Ferguson in 2024. Her legacy will be carried forward by her grandchildren great-grandchildren and the many lives she influenced.
The family will receive visitors on Friday, May 15, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm and 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the Dykstra Funeral Home – Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue, Holland.
A celebration of Mary’s life will take place on Saturday, May 16, at 1:00 PM, at Dykstra Funeral Home – Northwood Chapel, located at 295 Douglas Avenue, Holland, MI 49424. Reverend Steven DeVries officiating. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the funeral. Family and friends are invited to gather and honor a life well-lived, a life that was a blessing to all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Mary’s memory to the Hospice of Holland, an organization that provided care and comfort in her final days.
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