Bernadette ‘Pat’ Devlin Farley, totally Irish lass
On Sunday, March 10, 2019, Bernadette "Pat" Devlin Farley of Rehoboth Beach “faded away,” in her words, three weeks before her 96th birthday, with emerald green rosaries in hand and a reflection of the map of Ireland on her face.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James ('Frecks') Farley in 1993; and her son-in-law CWO Rolin 'Jay' Crosby. She is survived by her sister, Sr. Marita Patrick Devlin, IHM; her son, Joe (Rosemary Parisi); her daughters Francie (Jack Young,) Anne (Peg Costello), and Maureen; as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Pat lived in Rehoboth since 1997, where she enjoyed the beach with her family. She was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary American Legion Post 5, and a social member of the Rehoboth VFW Post 7447. She was president of the Ladies Auxiliary Rehoboth American Legion Post 5 from 2001-05 and past membership chair. Pat was recognized in a Cape Gazette article as a “Thoroughly Modern Day Millie” for her activism and altruism. She was honored to receive a Governor's Volunteer Award for her service to veterans and youth.
Special thanks to Lucy Stepnowski for her care, and St. Francis Compassionate Care staff, Dr. Dan and Dr. Sandy Gibney, for making our mother's homecoming what she had wanted it to be - a death with dignity, in her faith, surrounded by family. Her Irish wit endured. When her daughter Maureen asked if she was ready to cross over, she responded, "I'll wait my turn."
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Edmond Catholic Church, Rehoboth Beach, Friday, May 10 at 11 a.m. Interment will be privately held at Delaware Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, find a person in need and pay it forward in Pat's memory or make a contribution in her memory to the St. Patrick's Center, 107 East 14th St., Wilmington, DE 19801 or donate.stpatrickscenter.org/donation.
