Obituaries

Mary Beth Farrell, a Scranton native and longtime New York City resident, passed away at her Lake Ariel residence on May14, 2023, after having left a tremendously positive impact on others throughout her entire life. She was 65 years young. Born in Scranton in 1957, “MB,” as she was affectionately called, was the daughter of the late Paul A. and Joan (McLaughlin) Farrell. A graduate of the former Scranton Central High School, she then graduated with honors from the University of Scranton with a Bachelors of Science in Accounting.
She remained a much-involved alumna having served on the Board of Trustees and the President’s Business Council. She earned her Masters Degree in Sustainability from Columbia University. According to representatives at the University of Scranton, MB was one of the earliest women graduates to rise to executive level positions. MB led a tremendously successful career in banking and finance that spanned decades, having held various positions during her tenures for KPMG, Citibank, Greenpoint Savings Bank and AXA, having retired as Vice Chairman of AXA Advisors. Well beyond her expertise, knowledge and success within the finance world was the positive impact she left on anyone who had ever met her. As part of her commitment to the University of Scranton, she received the President’s Business Council Medal and the Frank J. O’Hara Award. During her time on the President’s Business Council, MB was instrumental in implementing changes which altered policies at the University, the effects of which remain today. She was committed to advancing the roles of women in the business world and mentored many women as part of this commitment. Despite the demands of her career, she was committed to her family, including her parents, her brothers, her nieces and nephew and her great nieces and great nephews. She maintained life long friendships and openly welcomed family and friends to her residences in New York and Pennsylvania. She is survived by her adoring family, including loving brothers Andrew Farrell and wife Debbie of Flower Mound, Texas and John P. Farrell of Lake Ariel; nieces and nephews, Katie Hruskocy, Megan Pedersen and husband Zac, Grace Farrell, Andy Farrell and wife Allie; great nieces and great nephews, Charlie and Calvin Farrell, Andi Pedersen, Brynn and Zoey Hruskocy; companion Dr.Jerry Casey; cousins and dear friends.Her family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Davila Rao, Sloan Kettering, Dr. Lisa Thomas, and Dr Jay Bannon. MB was thankful for the continued support of her friends during her illness.
Details for a Memorial Mass at Madonna Della Strada Chapel, University of Scranton campus, with a celebration of Mary Beth’s life and reception to follow will be announced in an upcoming edition of the Scranton Times-Tribune. Private burial, Cathedral Cemetery in West Scranton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary Beth’s name to The University of Scranton President’s Business Council, c/o 800 Linden St., Scranton PA. 18510, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Office of Development at c/o P.O. Box 27106, New York, NY 10087, or to Saint Ann Shrine and Monastery Basilica c/o 1250 St Ann St, Scranton, PA 18504.
Services have been scheduled for Mary Beth Farrell, a Scranton native and longtime New York City resident, who passed away at her Lake Ariel residence on May 14, 2023, after having left a tremendously positive impact on others throughout her entire life. She was 65 years young.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday at 11:00 AM at the University of Scranton’s Madonna Della Strada Chapel, 415 Monroe Avenue, Scranton, with a celebration of Mary Beth’s life and reception to follow on campus in the Rose Room at Brennan Hall, 600 Linden Street. Private burial has taken place at Cathedral Cemetery in West Scranton.
Arrangements are under the care of the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 125 N. Main Ave., Scranton. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave a condolence.