Obituary of Agnes Farrell

Agnes Cecila Farrell Born in South Haven, Michigan, United States on July 20, 1915, died in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on January 2, 2014. A first generation American, her parents were the late Charles Swanson (of Sweden) and Matilda Barry (of Cavan County, Ireland). They moved to DeKalb, Illinois in 1923. She resided in DeKalb until 1991, when she moved to Toronto. Agnes attended Ellwood Grade School, DeKalb Township High School and two years at Northern Illinois State Teachers College (now Northern Illinois University). She married the late Raymond Farrell of DeKalb in 1938. She was also predeceased by her son Joseph P. Farrell. Agnes is survived by her daughter-in-law Joan; grandson Michael, his spouse Catherine Richens and great-granddaughter Mabel Ray; granddaughter Jennifer, her husband James Cordon and great-grandchildren Guinevere and Gavin, all of Toronto. There are several relatives in the DeKalb and Chicago areas. After working several places in DeKalb, including the former St. Mary's Hospital and working military production lines during the Second World War, she retired from the Northern Illinois University Library system in 1982. After her retirement she remained active in the DeKalb community. She was a long time member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 66, and a member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas. While living in Toronto she was active in church activities, seniors programs and tutored in the literacy program. Her mixed heritage came to life routinely through an active and engaged interest in anthropology and other cultures. Her Swedish meatballs, "fruita soupa" and Irish soda bread were staples at family occasions as were her spontaneous recitations of Irish limericks and songs. Still, she remained, and will always be remembered as, a patriotic American; keeping up with American politics and society, debating the virtues of social justice, providing first-hand American history lessons from a long life lived and always making sure to cast her vote, even if from afar. Her wry humour, intelligence, warmth and historical perspective will be missed by all that knew her. A memorial service was held in the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES CHAPEL LIMITED, 1403 Bayview Avenue, Toronto 1-800-616-3311 on Friday, January 17. Entombment in Mount Hope Cemetery, Toronto. Father Frank Wagner of St. Ann's Catholic Parish officiated both services. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.