Mary Marshall Wagner
In Loving Memory
Mary Marshall Wagner passed away on January 8, 2025 in Palo Alto, California. She is survived by her loving husband, Rick Ferguson, daughters Kate Ferguson and Joy Ferguson Solomon, brother Ritch Wagner, and nephews Matthew Wagner and Scott Wagner. She was preceded in passing by her parents, Paul Ritchie Wagner Jr. and Phyllis Maxine Wells Wagner.
Mary was born August 1, 1950 in Norfolk, Nebraska. After graduating high school, she attended Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas before going on to earn her PHD in Political Science at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Mary and Rick were married April 19, 1980 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. They began their marriage living in a log cabin in Skylonda, California, where they welcomed daughter Kate in 1982, and daughter Joy in 1984. The family moved to Palo Alto, California in 1985, living in the house that remains their family home to this day.
Mary began her hugely successful career at SRI International in 1980. Details on her work and professional accomplishments can be found here:
https://www.sri.com/education-learning/recognizing-the-life-and-work-of-mary-wagner/
Mary’s foundations were grounded in her family, her Episcopalian faith, her research work, and being a force for good in the world. She loved making quilts for family, friends, and charitable organizations. She spent Sundays at the Church of the Epiphany, often giving thoughtful and uplifting sermons to the congregation. She cherished Christmas celebrations with her family and friends, and always made it the most special time of year. She was a lifelong swimmer, from lifeguarding at the pool in her teens to enjoying morning swims in the warm waters of Kalapaki Bay on vacations to Kauai.
Mary was dearly loved, and is missed by everyone whose life she touched.
A memorial service will be held on March 1, 2025 at 2:00pm, followed by a reception in the church's parish hall:
Episcopal Church of the Epiphany
1839 Arroyo Ave
San Carlos, CA 94070