Joy Ann O’Farrell

image2On January 12, 2016, our beautiful Joy Ann O’Farrell, 78, passed away, surrounded by her family. Joy was born on October 9, 1937 in Cook County, Illinois, and spent her growing up years in La Jolla, California. It was there she married Larry O’Farrell on July 27, 1957 and soon moved to the Seattle area to make their home and raise their family.
 
image1
Joy loved the family years in Carnation & Redmond; PTA, Little League, classroom helper and field trip Mom, you name it, she did it! She was “Mom” & “Grandma” to many of her children and grandchildren’s classmates & friends.
 
She sold everything from lingerie to sunglasses, was a district manager for American Building Maintenance and worked at Microsoft for over ten years.
 
They moved to Kent and spent the early days of retirement making their yard & garden showcase beautiful. In 2002 they headed for warmer weather to build a home in the Quail Creek Retirement Community of Green Valley, Arizona. She started the “Women of Quail Creek” women’s club and The Performing Arts Guild at Quail Creek, participating in plays and activities with her many new friends.
 
In 2012, they returned to the Pacific Northwest and made their home at Merrill Gardens in Renton. As usual, it wasn’t long before she had many friends and started ‘Story Telling with Joy”; a time of gathering where members of their community could share their life stories.
 
Joy was vivacious, fun, loved people and hearing their stories and always looked on the bright side of life. She never met a person she didn’t like and everyone who met her wanted to be her friend. She loved music and couldn’t stand the thought of “oldies”…she wanted to listen to whatever was new and fresh. She loved theatre, the color green and beautiful clothes. She was artistic, loved a good sandwich with chips on the side, holiday fun, sitting by the fire and chatting after a family meal. She hated when everyone went home! In the last few years, as her health declined and her eyesight dimmed, her vivacious spirit did not. We grieve for our loss, not hers. We rejoice that she is in Heaven surrounded by angels.
 
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Larry O’Farrell, her children; Kim Kelly, Scott (Kathy) O’Farrell, Brien (Esther) O’Farrell, and Kellie McCarthy. Grandchildren; Kesley, Blythe, Jamie (Jason), McKenzie (Lukas), Brenna, Dekker, Quinn (Jit), Bridget, a great-grandchild on the way and her sister Julie Duer. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter Leigh, and her mother & father, Paul & Lucille Crandell.
 
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Lupus Foundation of America (www.lupus.org). Private graveside services will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery.
 
Please join us as we celebrate Joy’s life on February 27, 2016, from 2-4pm, Merrill Gardens, 104 Burnett Avenue South, Renton, Washington.

5 Responses to “Joy Ann O’Farrell”

  • Fred Charles says:

    Joy’s passing has left an unreplaceable void in our MG family. She is sorely missed. Prayers for the Family.

  • Marcus and Helen G. Purnell says:

    I grew up with Joy as a parent-up-the-road and spent many days with this family as a youth.

    Joy was an inspiration and so full of life – I can’t ever remember seeing her without hearing her laugh.

    Peace and love the the entire O’Farrell clan… to Kelly, Kim, Scott and Brian – and your families – wishing you the very best of memories and love carried with you every time Joyful thoughts come to mind.

    What an amazing partner for you Larry – I hope your days are full of Joy every day!

    Big Love to you!

    Marcus Purnell

  • Dan Buchanan says:

    Mrs. O’Farrell (Joy), your fun loving sprit will live in “our” memories and hearts forever. Your willingness to listen and support your family and their friends will always be appreciated. God Bless, Dan

  • Chris Stephens says:

    Joy was a real fun mom to be around when we were growing up. I always loved going over to the O’Farrell household because I knew we would have a good time and she always had our backs. Right Brien? I’m sorry I missed the celebration of life this last weekend it looks as if it was a wonderful event.

  • Tijan (Mr.T) says:

    I am a former server at Merrill Gardens and that is where I know the O’Farrell’s. I left before her passing and just want to send my condolences! She was a wonderful women and always had a smile on her face and a laugh to give! I served many residents over my 3 years at Merrill Gardens and it always hurts to know one has passed on. But I know Joy is in a amazing place!

Leave a Reply

Please be respectful. Disrespectful comments will not be published

When you have successfully submitted a comment, look in the space above to see your comment.

Your comment is awaiting moderation.

If you do not see your comment, click HERE