Nancy L. Farrell

Nancy Lois Farrell passed away on March 2, 2024. She was 89 years old. Nancy is survived, and greatly mourned, by her four children Mark Farrell, Betsy Scott, Tricia Docherty, and David Farrell, daughters-in law, Ann Armour Farrell and Brenda Farrell, her seven grandchildren, Michael and Liz Farrell, Chanel Docherty, Lindsey and Caitlin Scott, and Isabella and Chloe Farrell, and her niece Nancy Clinton, her husband Paul, and their three children Branden, Brett, and Melanie Clinton. She was predeceased by a grandson, Corey Docherty and son-in-law, John Scott. Nancy’s husband of 68 years, Richard A. Farrell, recently died in June of 2023.

She was born Nancy Lois Gannon on May 2, 1934, in Lynn MA, and grew up in Swampscott where she was an accomplished high school cheerleader and field hockey player. She met “Dick” Farrell, a Marbleheader, in 1950, whom she described as “the most handsome boy I’d ever seen.” They attended Dick’s high school senior prom together and then dated through his four years in college. After college Dick enlisted into the army during the Korean war and was stationed in Germany. In 1955, Nancy flew to Germany to marry him in Ramsteirn, Germany, and they had a one-month romantic honeymoon touring Europe. They lived together in Marblehead for the rest of their lives.

Nancy was very athletic and taught her children many sports including her favorites, tennis and skiing. She was an active supporter of women’s rights and participated in the League of Women Voters and the NOW (National Organization of Women.) She was a lover of art and volunteered at The King Hooper Mansion art gallery and was a docent at the Peabody Essex Museum for over 20 years. Nancy held a variety of jobs in her life, her favorite being a pre-school teacher. She adored children and her fun, loving and playful spirit was a draw to any child. She was extremely involved in her nearby grandchildren’s lives and was a second mother to them until the end, forever encouraging them to seize all opportunities and adventures. She loved parties and dressing up and always traveled with a bag of costumes. All her friends and family never went to a celebration with Nancy that didn’t involve lavish costumes, dancing and feather boas.

Nancy loved to write and tell stories about her life and world views and was continually working on her memoir. She was the most loving, positive, optimistic, supportive, generous and happy person that a person could be. Life to her was all about having a good time, and she made the most of every minute. Her high energy and zest for life was an inspiration for all and there was never a dull (or quiet!) moment when Nancy was around.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, between the hours of 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, MA, 142 Elm Street. A private burial will be on Wednesday morning, and a public Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday March 6 from 1:00 - 4: 00 p.m at The Landing Restaurant, 81 Front Street, Marblehead, MA. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eutisandcornellfuneralhome.com for the Farrell family.