Patricia Ann Farrelly, adored her grandchildren
It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that we pronounce the passing of a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Patricia Ann Farrelly, who entered into eternal rest Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, at her home in Lewes. “Patty,” as her friends and cousins fondly knew her, was 72 at her time of passing, having ultimately lost her battle with pancreatic cancer. She is remembered fondly as a loving mother and dedicated wife as well as a supportive friend and confidant.
Born Feb. 28, 1949, in Englewood, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Albert and Rosemary (Dowd) Rieger. She grew up in Paramus, N.J., attending Immaculate Heart Academy High School, then graduating from Ladycliff College in 1971 with her bachelor of fine arts, and going on to teach sixth grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Health in Oakland, N.J. the following year.
Patricia and Philip Jerome Farrelly married in May 1972. Following the completion of her husband’s graduate work at Tulane University, the couple relocated to Bergstrom AFB outside Austin, Texas, where he served as a junior officer in the USAF. In 1974, they returned to New Jersey, settling in Hackensack until the birth of their first child, daughter Meghan in November 1975. The happy parents then relocated to Glen Rock, N.J. in 1976, where they remained through the birth of their first son, Christopher in 1977. Then in 1978, the family moved to Short Hills, N.J. where they would remain for more than 38 years. It was during this time in 1983 that Philip started his own business with the enduring support of Patricia, and their second son, Patrick was then born in 1984. The couple moved to Lewes in 2017, where Patty was active in numerous social programs and as a member of the HOA Board at Wolfe Pointe.
Patricia raised her three young children through the trying times, and ups and downs of being married to a young entrepreneur. She saw all three of her children graduate from high school, college, and even graduate school. With her encouragement, both sons served as officers in the U.S. Navy. Patty was very active in her parish church in Short Hills, rescued retired Greyhounds for various organizations, and was an avid equestrian. She was an accomplished EMT with the Millburn-Short Hills Volunteer Ambulance Squad, serving for 10 years from 2005-15. In her later years, Patricia enjoyed traveling throughout Europe with her family; however, nothing brought her more pleasure than spending time with her five grandchildren whom she adored.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Philip; her daughter, Meghan Farrelly (Justin Bazar) of Rumford, R.I.; two sons, Christopher Farrelly (Aimee) of Clarks Summit, Pa., and Patrick Farrelly (Melissa) of Stevensville, Md; her brother, Richard Rieger of Hertford, N.C.; and five grandchildren, Kevin, Charlotte, Luke, Allison, and Michael.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 2, at St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes. A viewing will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., and from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes.
Entombment will be at a later date at St. Rose of Lima Church in Short Hills.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Ave., El Segundo, CA 90245, or the ASPCA, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090.
