Nancy Jane (McDonald) Farrissey, died peacefully in her sleep on February 3, 2012. Born in Fall River, February 5, 1933 to mother Loretta, a former dancer in the Zeigfield Follies and father Bernard McDonald, an attorney. Nancy was one of nine close-knit brothers and sisters. Happy and always good-natured, she was head cheerleader at Durfee High School where she met her husband, star basketball player Andy Farrissey. Honeymooners for sixty years, they brought up four children and nine grandchildren with immense love. Her great joy was her family, as she was theirs. A talented artist, Nancy poured her creativity into her warm home, her lush garden and her extraordinary food. For 25 years her hard work and imagination made Nancy and Jo-Anne Catering a success. She cooked for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Julia Child, and Emeril Lagasse. Lively, beautiful, and unfailingly kind, she was loved by everyone who knew her.
She is survived by her husband; Andrew J. Farrissey of Fall River, four children; Colleen Farrissey McGowan and her husband Steven McGowan of Providence, RI, Jo Anne O’Neil and her husband Atty. John C. O’Neil of Fall River, Nancy Jane Duncan and her husband Samuel H. Duncan of Arlington, MA, Andrew J. Farrissey and his wife Katherine (Anderson) Farrissey of Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, six siblings; Patricia Barrar of Somerset, Bernard McDonald and his wife Joan of Fall River, William McDonald and his wife Nan of Westport, Susan Coombes and her husband William of Somerset, Barry McDonald of Fall River, and Mary Elizabeth Hargraves and her husband Robert of Fall River, brother-in-law; Arthur Shea of Somerset, eleven grandchildren; Professor Musa Gurnis and her husband Nathaniel Farrell of St. Louis, MO, Leah Winship of Berlin, Germany, Andrew W. Farrissey of Martha’s Vineyard, , Rachal Winship of NYC, NY, Leila Duncan of Arlington, MA, Colleen Farrissey of Martha’s Vineyard, Samuel H. Duncan of Arlington, MA, William Farrissey of Martha’s Vineyard, John A. O’Neil of Fall River, Cameron and Margot McGowan both of Colorado, her best friend since childhood Sister Eleanor McNally S.U.S.C., and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was sister of the late Loretta McMurray and Barbara Shea and sister in law of the late George McMurray, William Barrar, and Gabriella McDonald.
Her Funeral will be held Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 10:00AM from the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE at CHERRY PLACE, 178 Winter St. Fall River, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM in Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover St. Fall River. Visiting hours Monday from 4:00 – 8:00PM. Flowers welcome or contributions in her honor may be made to Thomas Chew Memorial Boys and Girls Club, 803 Bedford St. Fall River, MA 02720. Burial private.
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