Obituaries

Joan Farrell, R.N., a lifelong resident of Scranton’s Hyde Park section, passed away Thursday evening at St. Mary’s Villa in Moscow, where she was a four year resident. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years, Paul A. Farrell, on November 8, 2002.
Born in Scranton to the late Michael and Mae Long McLaughlin, Joan was a graduate of the former Central High School and Mercy Hospital’s School of Nursing. She enjoyed a rewarding career as a registered nurse, beginning her work as a visiting nurse and went on to work at various local hospitals ending her career where she started at Mercy Hospital.
A devoted Roman Catholic, Joan was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Parish and was devoted to St Ann. Always on the move, she enjoyed water aerobics, gardening and watercolor painting. She would never turn down an opportunity to shop, especially if it involved spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren who absolutely adored their “G-Mom” and “Gigi.” Perpetually smiling and laughing, she possessed an unforgettable witty and wry sense of humor, a legacy left behind to her three children whom she dearly loved. She will be forever missed.
She is survived by three children, Mary Beth Farrell of New York, N.Y., Andrew D. Farrell and wife Debbie of Flower Mound, Texas, and John P. Farrell of Milford, PA; her sister, Mary Evans of Las Vegas, Nevada; four grandchildren, Katie and husband Tom, Megan and husband Zac, Grace and Andrew; three great grandchildren, Brynn, Zoey and Andi; and several nieces and nephews.
Her brother, John McLaughlin, also preceded her in death.
The family would like to recognize the tireless support and friendship of her dedicated caregivers Posie Gerrity and Karen Walker. In addition, the members of St Mary’s Villa staff welcomed her with open arms into their family ensuring her days were filled with laughter and wonderful care. The family extends special thanks to team “33” whose loving care will never be forgotten.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Tuesday at 9:15AM from the Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton, with a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, 1605 Oram Street in West Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Richard Fox, Pastor. Interment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Monday between 5-8:00PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joan’s name to either St. Patrick’s Parish c/o 1403 Jackson St., Scranton, Pa., 18504; St. Ann’s Basilica c/o 1233 St. Ann Street, Scranton, Pa., 18504; or to the University of Scranton’s Royal Fund c/o 800 Linden Street, Scranton, Pa., 18510.