Obituary of Mary Catherine Ferrick

Mary Catherine Ferrick of Santa Cruz passed away at the age of 59 on May 19, 2014 after a year and a half struggle with cancer. Born and raised in Malden, MA. She had many fond memories of family gatherings and outdoor activities with her siblings and large extended family. Mary graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1976. After college, Mary moved to Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Park and worked as a Recreation Coordinator. In 1978, Mary moved to Santa Cruz, where she became a Bus Operator at Santa Cruz Metro. As a driver, Mary was a leader of UTU Local 23 where she helped organize the first Metro Bus Strike in 1981. As an elected representative in the Union, Mary was especially proud to negotiate the "Parental Leave" benefits, which were very progressive for their time. Mary's career at Metro lasted 34 years. Besides driving buses, she worked as a Transportation Supervisor, Schedule Analyst, and finally Superintendent of Operations. Mary loved hiking, softball and backpacking. Her favorite hiking/backpacking places were the Sierras and the Colorado Rockies. Along with family and friends, Mary has camped in Kings Canyon annually since 1982. Mary always enjoyed spending time with family in Boston and Cape Cod. She was an avid Red Sox fan and self-elected president of Red Sox Nation: Santa Cruz. Mary is survived by her husband Thomas J. Starkey. Their 30th wedding anniversary would have been June 23rd. She is also survived by: children Matthew Patrick Starkey and Elizabeth O'Mara Starkey; six siblings, Francis Ferrick (Karen), Joan Erickson (William), twin Margaret Ferrick-Manley (Stephen) of Melrose, MA; Henry Ferrick , Genevieve Ferrick of Malden, MA; and Martin Ferrick (Laura)of Lincolnville ME. She also leaves 5 nieces and 7 nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her father Henry Francis Ferrick and mother Genevieve Cecelia Ferrick. A memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday June 2, 2014 at Resurrection Catholic Church, 7600 Soquel Drive Aptos. A reception will follow immediately after the Mass. In Lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to the Malden Public Library: 36 Salem St., Malden, MA 02148 att. Dora St. Martin or Second Harvest Food Bank: 800 Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville, CA 95076. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to light a candle for Mary and share any condolences with her family.