Mary Jo (Ferin) Sirfus
July 15, 2015
Mary Jo (Ferin) Sirfus, 56, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2015, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Mary Jo was born March 2, 1959 in Des Moines to Ernie and Theresa (Leonetti) Ferin. She graduated from Newman Catholic High School in Mason City, Iowa. Mary Jo was the human resources manager of payroll operations for Pioneer Hi-Bred, where she had worked for 30 years. She was a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) with the American Payroll Association. Mary Jo was a very devoted Catholic and a member of Christ the King Catholic Church.
Mary Jo enjoyed scrapbooking and crocheting. She loved decorating for the holidays, numerous “cookie days” and hosting family gatherings. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. She looked forward to her lunches with “the girls” and birthday and school shopping with the grandchildren.
Mary Jo is survived by her husband of 32 years, Ed; children, Christina (Ryan Armstrong) Scaglione, David (Marne) Sirfus and Robbie Sirfus; grandchildren, Emma Sirfus, Makenzie Armstrong, Josh Sirfus, Cash Peterson and Rylan Armstrong; parents, Ernie and Theresa Ferin; siblings, John (Pat) Ferin, Rob (Kay) Ferin and Mike (Rachel) Ferin; and a host of extended family and beloved friends, including her four legged “boys”, Cody, Mitz, Chamey, Wrigley and Louie.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Newnan, Georgia for their exceptional treatment and care over the past two years as well as Dr. Buroker and staff at the Helen Powell Center at Iowa Methodist.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2015 with the Rosary recited at 7:30 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 21st at Christ the King, 5711 SW 9th Street followed by burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to AHeinz57 Dog Rescue, Central Iowa Free to Breathe or a charity of your choice in loving memory of Mary Jo.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Bill Glanz
07/18/2015
Ed, my condolences. God bless you and your whole family.
Julia Bergman
07/17/2015
Mary Jo was an awesome person to know. You loved her from day one. Compassion, full of life, Godly woman, great sense of humor, hard worker, but made work fun, patient, love for her family and trusted friend! She will be sorely missed. To her precious and beloved family my heart breaks for your loss...may your sweet memories keep you strong with a smile on your face each time she enters your thoughts.
Ken and Linda Schultheis
07/17/2015
Our heart felt sympathy to Mary Jo's family.
Prayers and blessings...
Cindy Rochleau
07/17/2015
My heart goes out to Mary Jo's family. I met Mary Jo in 1988 through Pioneer. She was great to work with, and always had a quick smile. She will be missed dearly.
May your memories help ease the pain of your loss.
Pam Noyes
07/17/2015
Saddened to hear about Mary Jo. I knew her from working for Pioneer and always enjoyed talking with her. You have my deepest condolences.
Sally Thomson
07/17/2015
Having known Mary Jo through the payroll profession, she was a delight to be around. She enjoyed talking about her family, especially those darling grandchildren and her dogs. What a blessing to have known her. She will be missed here on earth, but heaven is rejoicing. And to Mary Jo's family, may the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Marilyn Hutchins
07/17/2015
I am saddened by the passing of Mary Jo. She was a sweetheart and anyone who met her liked her instantly. I got to know her while working at Pioneer and was blessed because of it. She will be missed by all who knew her. My prayers to Ed and her family. May God sustain you through this time and beyond.
Denise Dejulian
07/17/2015
So very sad to find that Mary Jo lost her battle with cancer. What a beautiful person she was. I feel so lucky to have known her and had the opportunity to work with her at Pioneer. I pray that God will give you the comfort you need as you journey through your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Sara Stafford
07/17/2015
I knew Mary Jo through the American Payroll Association. It was so fun to meet up with her at the payroll conferences and spend time with her. She was quick to smile and a joy to be around. Her strength and faith through her battle were an example to many people. What peace to know she is in heaven.
Bob Egenberger
07/17/2015
I hope this helps, you are in our prayers
I took someone you dearly love somewhere that's far from you, I called her home to be with me, because I love her too.
I feel your pain and sadness, but let your faith be strong, The one you love is in my care and joyfully lives on.
Weep because you miss her and because you are far apart, these are feelings from the love that I place inside your heart, in time I'll send an Angel to come to earth for you, and bring you here to be with us, because I love you too.
Jody & Todd Jacklin
07/17/2015
Very sorry to the loss of the family, our thoughts are very much with you.
Deb Martin
07/17/2015
Heaven received a beautiful angel. Here on earth she was a wonderful and caring person and a great friend. Working at Pioneer with her was so memorable. Her cancer journey was a rough road and she fought a tremendous fight. You will be missed dearly my friend. I hope you and my Mike can get to know each other in Heaven. I miss you both.
Jane Gatzke
07/17/2015
This news saddens me for the loss of such a wonderful person. She did her best to stay here as long as she could. It's never long enough though. Such a kind and beautiful person. She will be missed greatly. My prayers for her entire family at this very difficult time. God bless you all.
Mike Coleman
07/16/2015
So very sorry to hear that Mary Jo lost her battle with cancer. She was a wonderful person and very well liked by many at Pioneer. My deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Sandra Sirfus Davis
07/16/2015
<3