Mary Elizabeth "Mary Beth" Ann Ferris

Mary Elizabeth “Mary Beth” Ann Ferris (nee Kalmback), 75, died peacefully on November 23, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. Born and raised in Somerville, NJ to the late Phillip and Martha Kalmback (nee Genova), she was a graduate of Somerville High School. Upon graduation, Mary Beth worked for the Borough of Somerville as Secretary to the Borough Clerk-Administrator. In this role, she gained an interest in politics and administration, leading to a lifelong passion and commitment to public and community service. Mary Beth also worked as a switchboard operator for the Somerset Medical Center and Director of Branchburg Recreation, a position she held until her retirement. As Director of Branchburg Recreation, Mary Beth oversaw the implementation of programs, events, and fundraising activities that benefited the local community. She organized annual summer camps for the children of Branchburg, coordinated yearly trips to the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall for local families, and was recognized along with the Branchburg Recreation Department summer camp for raising $6,150 to support the Somerset County’s K-9 unit.

Despite her many professional accomplishments, Mary Beth’s most important role and greatest joy in life was being a mom to her 4 sons, who she shared with the love of her life, Thomas Ferris. Mary Beth was known as a wrestling mom in the community. She attended every practice and match as her sons’ biggest cheerleader. In addition, Mary Beth was a member of the Somerville Wrestling Booster Club, raising funds and sponsorships for the wrestling program. She wanted to ensure that every child who wanted to wrestle had the opportunity and access to do so.

Mary Beth was known for her big heart and love for her family, but she was also quite the disciplinarian. She was known as “the Flip Flop Ninja.” In one swift move, she could remove her sandal and hit her target from across the room with her eyes closed. Her boys knew if they upset mom, they’d have to try to dodge the flip flop. Mary Beth taught her sons to love unconditionally, to support each other, and to give back to the communities in which they live and work.

Tom and Mary Beth led the 4-H Sidewinders Club, a group of amateur herpetologists, which their sons also belonged to. The group educates local schools, daycare centers, and camps on the care and handling of snakes, turtles, lizards, and frogs. Mary Beth was also a volunteer for Big Brother Big Sister and founded the Somerville Kids Care Foundation for disabled children. One of the accomplishments that she was most proud of as part of Kids Care foundation was raising funds to purchase NASA-developed cooling vests for children born without sweat glands. Mary Beth was a former member of the Free Library Board of Trustees and served as Chairwoman of Community Service for the Rotary Club of Branchburg. Her dedication to public and community service was unparalleled. She changed the lives of all of those she touched, especially the children. The number of fundraisers she organized and participated in, time volunteered, and love given has impacted the local community for generations.

Mary Beth loved the beach, especially the Jersey Shore, where she regularly vacationed. She also loved Disney, where her and her family made countless memories. Goofy was her favorite character. She enjoyed occasional trips to the lake and fulfilled a dream of a family vacation to Italy. She had a talent and joy for crafts especially ceramics and painting. Mary Beth was also an animal lover. She welcomed countless animals into her home to be cared for. Mary Beth also relished in her role as grandmother. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and she loved to spoil them.

Besides her parents, Mary Beth was preceded in death by her dear brother, Kevin Kalmback, and her brother-in-law, Thomas McNally.

Left to tell her story for generations to come are her beloved husband, Thomas Ferris, her loving children, Timothy Ferris and his wife Holly, Michael Ferris and his wife An, Sean Ferris, and Kyle Ferris and wife Renee, her cherished grandchildren, Hope, Noah, Tea, and Rhea, her dear sisters, Phyllis Kalmback and Patricia Mc Nally (nee Kalmback), her extended family, community, and friends.

A celebration of her life will be held on her birthday, Sunday, December, 11, 2022 from 1:00 to 5:00PM at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876.

Prayer service and reflection will begin at 4:30PM at the funeral home.

Please join the Ferris family for a celebration of Mary Beth's life after the services at the Somerville Elks 375 Union Avenue, Bridgewater.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mary Beth's memory to the Somerville Rescue Squad, Donate Online.