Lee A. Ferris

Lee A. Ferris (Hackett), 70, passed away in her Cape Cod home, surrounded by her loving family, on May 1st. She was the beloved wife of Peter M. Ferris for 46 years. She was the loving mother of Kaitlyn A. “Katie” Ferris, and her husband, Mike Brickhouse of Chicago, IL, and Lauren Ferris and her wife, Kristin of Halethorpe, MD. She was a devoted “Gammy” to Vivan Lee Brickhouse, who brought vibrant joy to Lee’s world and a constant smile to her face.

Lee is survived by her sister, Karen E. Hackett of Spencer, and her brother, John L. Hackett of Beverly. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews in the Ferris, Hackett, and Eaton families with whom she shared many laughs and wonderful memories.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ann M. Hackett and Richard S. Hackett, her mother-in-law, Ann Ferris, father-in-law, Eugene Ferris Sr., and brother-in-law, Neal Ferris.

Lee was born in Waukegan, IL to Ann & Richard Hackett and was raised in Spencer, MA. She had an active childhood and was involved in Girl Scouts, tennis, field hockey, softball, and countless school-sponsored clubs as well as playing the accordion. Lee attended David Prouty High School before studying Spanish & playing tennis at Emmanuel College. Lee spent her college years building lifelong friendships during study abroad experiences in Spain, hosting the “Buffarilla Ball”, and her many trips to Boston’s restaurant scene, including one of her favorites, the Cask N Flagon, in Fenway.

She met her loving husband, Peter, in 1976 at The Arc, and they married in September 1979. Lee and Peter spent their newlywed days driving sports cars, taking trips with friends, and enjoying nights out on the town. They welcomed their eldest daughter, Katie, into the world in 1987, and then Lauren, a few years later, in 1992. Lee was their “rock”, best friend, and role model throughout their lives. Most of all, she was and will always be, their biggest cheerleader.

Lee was not only a devoted wife, mother, and friend. She had a successful career in sales. Lee joined the workforce as an assistant at Greyline Bus Company upon graduation, and worked her way up to Charter Sales Manager before pivoting into the hotel industry at The Parker House Boston, where she served as Director of Sales. Thereafter, Lee spent most of her career working for Hospitality Marketing Solutions, culminating her career as Vice President and Head of Sales Training. She retired in 2022 as an industry expert in high-end sales training with clients she was proud to now call close friends.

Lee and her husband, Peter, enjoyed many hours boating, on the sidelines of basketball courts and lacrosse and soccer fields, and playing cards with their dear friends. Most importantly, Lee loved tennis. She was an avid player and student of the game as she enjoyed watching the game just as much as playing it. From her time learning the game at Luther Hill Park as a child, to playing at Emmanuel College, and finally with her adult USTA teams – Lee was a fierce competitor, who appreciated the strategy behind the game that made it so beautiful to watch. Her passion and competitiveness will live on in those who knew her well.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Lee’s life: visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, May 6th from 4-8pm at Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA; a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 7th at 10am at St. Joseph Church, 1360 Highland Avenue, Needham. Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, 815 Route 134 Dennis, MA at 2pm. The Ferris family offers their sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and PCA staff at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Spalding Rehabilitation, and Beacon Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lee’s memory may be made to Vivian’s heartBeat Brigade, supporting the Children’s Heart Foundation, a cause near and dear to Lee’s own heart: bit.ly/3ELqQcI