Phyllis 'Jeanne' Farrell

Obituary of Phyllis 'Jeanne' Farrell

Jeanne Farrell passed away peacefully at home with family at her side, on February 1, 2018, in her 89th year. Beloved mother of David (Debbie), and Barbara (Barry). Cherished Nana of Elizabeth, Emily, Thomas, Scott and Aidan. Predeceased by her husband Bill (2002), sons Billy (1964) and Alan (2000), grandson Kieran Power (2000), brother Richard (2012), nephew Brett (2004) and parents Florence and Verne Yerex. Missed by daughter-in-law Rosemary (Ian), sister-in-law Joan and niece Shelley (Rick). After graduating top of her class at Weston Collegiate, Jeanne attended the University of Toronto where she earned a BA in Languages in 1951. Jeanne began her career in the British and Foreign Department at the CIBC, and later provided translation services at the Canadian International Trade Fair. Jeanne and Bill started their family in Hamilton where all four of their children were born. In 1971, the family moved to Chatham. After several years of volunteering at her children’s school, John N. Given, Jeanne officially joined the staff as school secretary. She spent several years commuting to London to volunteer on weekends at the Ronald McDonald House. In 1991, she and Bill retired to London where she spent the next 25 years in her favourite career as a volunteer with the Children’s Hospital of Western Ontario. During this time, she made many friends in the London Newcomers’ Club, travelled widely and loved her thrice weekly Aquafit classes. Jeanne created incredible cross-stiches, knitted for the CHWO Auxiliary, completed the most challenging of puzzles, and avidly followed the ups and downs of the Blue Jays and Maple Leafs. Her favourite hobby was spending time with her family whom she dearly loved. The family gratefully thanks Dr. Michaele Fleming for her compassion and the incredible staff of Chartwell Riverside Retirement home for their kindness. A memorial service will be conducted at WESTMOUNT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 521 Village Green Avenue, London on Saturday, February 10th, 2018 at 1:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeanne’s memory may be made to Bereaved Families of Ontario, London chapter, an organization of great support to Jeanne for many years.
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Phyllis 'Jeanne'