Mary Pat (Henk) McFerran , VRHS Class of 1942
Mary Patricia McFerran (née Henk), age 99, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, in Albany, N.Y. Born on June 10, 1925, in Johnstown, N.Y., Pat lived a long and vibrant life marked by devotion to family, a passion for education, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Pat graduated from Rensselaer High School in 1943 and went on to earn an accelerated Master of Science and Education degree from the State College of New York at Albany in 1947. Her academic achievements laid the foundation for a distinguished career in science and education. Before her marriage, she worked as a chemist at Sterling Winthrop Laboratories and taught science at Greenville High School. Later, she became a beloved Chemistry teacher at Albany High School, where she was recognized as an outstanding educator. Pat married Albert E. McFerran in 1949 and together they raised a large and loving family. She was predeceased by her husband, Albert in 2005; and three of their children, Albert E. McFerran Jr., (2012), Anne McFerran (1992) (Joe Nardolillo), and Barbara McFerran Engel (Douglas Engel), (2018). She is lovingly remembered by her children, Mary Katherine McFerran (Dominic Dunn), Eileen McFerran (Jelane Kennedy), Arthur McFerran (Nancy Sheridan), Joseph McFerran (Pam McCarroll), Kevin McFerran (Lauretta Zampier) and Lynne Ventner. Pat's legacy continues through her grandchildren, Kristin McFerran, Carrie McFerran (John Burgess), Brigid Dunn (Clara Kann), Willa Dunn, Michelle McFerran, Christine McFerran, Michael McFerran, Regan McFerran, Bradon McFerran, Antonio (Tony) Engel, Meghan Campion (Brad Campion), Aidan McFerran, Luke McFerran, Gwen McFerran, and Rory McFerran; her great-grandchild, Maeve Frances Kann; and her sisters, Katherine Henk Smit and Josephine Henk. Throughout her life, Pat was full of vitality -generous with her time and spirit-and deeply devoted to her family. She had a remarkable gift for connecting with children; each of her children and grandchildren felt uniquely seen and cherished by her. Her cheerful optimism and broad smile left an enduring impression on all who knew her. Outside the classroom and home, Pat found joy in nature. An avid naturalist, she loved camping trips with family, swimming in lakes and pools, and hiking along wooded trails. Pat was a lifetime girl scout, and a leader for both girl and boy scouts. She also enjoyed playing bridge with friends and quilting intricate patterns that reflected both creativity and care. Her life was one of purpose- rooted in love for learning, nature's beauty, and above all else, family. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her. A woman of faith, Mary Pat was a longtime member of Holy Cross and All Saints Catholic Church. In her final years, Mary enjoyed living at Eddy Hawthorne Ridge Independent Living and Memory Care wing. Thank you to Kathleen Levchuck, (R.N. Case Manager) Ingrid Reyes and Susan Tedesco, Director. Mary Pat also received care for a hip replacement surgery during her 100th year, at St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Mary Pat McFerran is an Albany Medical College Anatomical Gift donor (518-262-5379). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Five Rivers Environmental and Educational Center in Delmar, N.Y., https://friendsoffiverivers.org