With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Michael Ferris of St. Louis, Missouri, who died at age 84 on August 27, 2024, after several months in hospice care. He passed surrounded by love, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness and compassion.
Born on May 25, 1940, in New York City, and raised in Radburn, New Jersey, Michael was the eldest of three siblings. His early years were filled with a love of baseball, swimming, symphonic music, and jazz—passions that would follow him throughout his life. A bright and curious student, Michael graduated cum laude from Harvard College in 1963, and later pursued graduate studies in art history at Washington University in St. Louis.
Michael’s journey to St. Louis began in 1965 as a volunteer with the VISTA Program, igniting his commitment to social services. St. Louis became his home, and in 1967, Michael married his first wife, Jane. Two years later, he welcomed twin daughters, Ann and Meg, whom he loved with all his heart. In the late 1970s, Michael returned to school, earning a degree in family counseling, which launched a deeply rewarding career as a family therapist. His work touched countless lives, offering comfort, guidance, and a steady hand to those in need.
Michael met and fell in love with Gwendolyn Moore in 1977. They were a surprising but perfect match—Michael, the introspective scholar, and Gwendolyn, the bold and adventurous spirit. Together, they shared an insatiable curiosity for the world, a love of books, long conversations, and, most of all, music. In 1980, they married, embarking on a life filled with love, laughter, and mutual passions. They soon moved to Boston, where they spent fifteen joyful years before returning to St. Louis in the mid-1990s to be closer to family.
Back in St. Louis, Michael and Gwendolyn became energetic volunteers, particularly in the Shaw Neighborhood, where they cultivated lasting friendships and strengthened their ties to the communities they loved. Michael took great pride in his post-retirement work with the Silver Haired Legislature, advocating for seniors at the state level. Both he and Gwendolyn shared a love for the arts, frequently visiting the St. Louis Art Museum and attending performances at the St. Louis Symphony. They also delighted in traveling to visit family across the U.S. and Mexico, and meeting many interesting people along the way.
One of the highlights of Michael and Gwendolyn’s life together was their long-awaited trip to Italy, which they took after retiring. On that trip Michael finally stood before the medieval and Renaissance artworks he had studied and loved for decades, while Gwendolyn explored the lush Italian gardens. Their Italian adventure was a perfect reflection of their relationship: each sharing in the other’s joy, experiencing the world with fresh wonder through one another’s eyes.
A man of boundless empathy and curiosity, Michael was a friend to many people, which was evident in every conversation he had. He was a lover of music, books, languages and linguistics, and art, and he enjoyed the simple pleasures of life—whether it was listening to a symphony, reading a novel, or visiting local parks and arboretums. Most of all, Michael was a connector of people, always seeking meaningful relationships and conversations that would leave a lasting impact.
Michael is survived by his wife of forty-four years, Gwendolyn Moore, his two daughters Ann Ferris O’Shaughnessy (Jordan) of Chicago, Meg Ferris (John) of Seattle, stepsons Gregory Moore (Tanya) of Superior, WI, Daniel Moore (Susan) of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and Jeffrey Moore of St. Louis, as well as five grandchildren, Leah, Finn, and Toby Murphy, and Tabitha and Truman Moore; his sister, Paula Ferris Einaudi and nephews Renato and Gian Paolo Einaudi; sister-in-law Barbara Ferris, niece Victoria Ferris and grand-nephew Brian, and nephew Joseph Ferris (Jamie) and grand-nephew Wiley; and niece Karen Girardier. Michael was predeceased by his brother Brian Ferris and brother-in-law Franco Einaudi. He is also survived by a wide circle of friends and extended family who will miss him deeply. All will forever remember his wisdom, humor, and kindness.
The family plans a celebration of life on October 12, 2024. For more details, contact daughter Ann at ferris.oshaughnessy@gmail.com.
Michael never sang his own praises, so we are left to do that for him. Please share memories or stories below. Your recollections of Michael would be deeply appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HOPE, Housing Options Provided for the Elderly, hopeforseniorsstl.org.