Mary Ferguson

Mary Ferguson, 68, of Harrisburg, passed away in the comfort of her home on Saturday, August 22, 2026, following a two-year cancer journey marked by strength, courage, and grace.

Mary was born June 26, 1958 in Watertown, New York, to the late Don and Erleen Ferguson. She was also preceded in death by her two brothers, Alan and John Ferguson.

Mary was an amazing wife, mom, Gram, sister, aunt and friend who will be dearly missed and forever loved. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation from the University of Florida before going on to earn a Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of South Florida. She began her teaching career at St. Leo College in Brooksville, Florida, and later became a media specialist at Zephyrhills High School. In 2000, Mary moved to North Carolina and continued her career as a media specialist with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. In 2003, she moved to Cabarrus County, where she spent the next 20 years inspiring students as a media specialist, helping children discover the joy of reading. After 35 years of dedicating her life to education, Mary retired.

Outside of her career, she loved reading, hiking, biking, boating, and driving her Jeep. She especially enjoyed teaching children to read and sharing her love of books with them. Mary was known for her kind, caring and helpful nature, and she never missed an opportunity to lend a hand or make someone smile. She also had a playful side and loved a good prank, leaving behind many memories that will be cherished and laughed about for years to come.

Survivors include her beloved wife of 36 years, Marie Cawley; four children Joe (Lex), Brittany, Mike, and Aspen; granddaughter, Julia; brother, Chuck (Peggy) Ferguson; sister, Barbara (Chuck) Klemme; brother, David Ferguson; sisters-in-law, Shar Ferguson and Debbie Ferguson; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am - 10:45 am, Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg. Mary's Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel, officiated by Julie Furr. Please join the family for a reception immediately following the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Cabarrus Meals on Wheels (https://cabarrusmow.org/) or Breakthrough T1D (Type 1 diabetes research) (https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/).

Memorials may be made to Cabarrus Meals on Wheels or Breakthrough T1D (Type 1 diabetes research).

The family would like to thank Mary's amazing team at the Levine Cancer Institute, Dr. Lees and her staff, especially PA Charmeen, Nurse Courtney, and Nurse Robin. The family would also like to thank Mary's caring staff at Hospice of Cabarrus, Nurse Nancy, Nurse Beth and Social Worker Sandy.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Ferguson/Cawley family.