Valerie Farrell Obituary

Still in our thoughts.
T & D

When I just read what I wrote back in 2008, it brought tears to my eyes all over again! Missing you doesn't seem to fade. When I make your wonderful pasta shells, I wish you were here to say they are perfect, even when they are not. You were a great friend who brought me effortless into the Flamingos. Your kindness will always be missed!
Love you,
Marilyn

Val, you will never be forgotten.

Hi mom! You´re showing up in so many ways lately. Just wanted to let you know I am aware of your guidance. XO love u so much. Miss you. We are healed but never the same
Doets

Thinking of you Val and of your family, especially Jim and the kids.

Every year when August 19th rolls around, I think again of how much I still miss you! You were such a great friend, and all the fun times we had together will always keep you in my heart! Love you, Marilyn

What a vacuum of love and kindness her passing has left over these past 12 years. Val was a compassionate person and dear friend. She is missed.

Happy birthday Mom! Miss you bad.
Love,
Jill

Mom - It has been 7 long years without you and we still think of you every day - especially when the sun is shining or it's particularly beautiful outside. We love you and miss you so much. Four of your five grandchildren are in high school and the fifth is smarter than all of them. Love, Valerie

Missing you extra bad today.
Love,
Jill

Dear Mom,
It's been almost three years and I still catch myself reaching for the phone to tell you some fun news or ask for your advice.
I miss you so much.
Love,
Jill

Dear Val,
It's been a year and I really miss you! When I read a good book, I wish I could share it with you. When we're with common friends, how I wish you were there. I miss your stories and your gentle smile and chuckle. I just miss you...
Love,
Marilyn

Once again we extend our sympathy to Val's family - she is truly missed by all of us.
Don & Margo

Mom,
It will be a year tomorrow. I miss you. Molly learned how to ride her bike. I know you would get a kick out of the how big the kids are getting, how they are still the same.
Love you,
Beth

Captain Jim,

We are so sorry to here of Ms. Val's passing. She was always so nice to us. We will keep her in our prayers.
Sean and Justin peacock

Dear Jim
We are deeply sorry to hear of Vals passing. What a wonderful person she was. I have many great memories of sailing on Lake Michigan with you both. Then 20 years later in Estero. She will truly be missed. I am glad that I was able to know her. I pray that you may find comfort and peace knowing that she is with the Lord in a better place.
Chris and Preston Peacock

Dear Jim and Family,
I was deeply saddened by the news of Val's death. I have so many fond memories of fun times on your boat with you, Val and your daughters and friends. I've always admired and enjoyed Val -- her warm, kind, funny and welcoming style -- and have missed you since you two left for Florida. She was truly a great person and a class act! My heart goes out to you and your family. I'll be thinking of you.

Dear Val -- please hold a few slips for the rest of us, as we'll all end up on the same sailing adventure some day. You are missed. You raised a wonderful family that is your legacy.
Mark Richardson and Sallie Gaines

We were deeply saddened upon hearing of Val's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Farrell family and friends whom I know she loved so much. May our thoughts and feelings of Val comfort us all in this time of mourning. God Bless

Jim and his girls! How lucky you are Jim to have these wonderful girls to love you and fill your days with their smiles. Time will bring smiles again.
As my e-mail said I have only the best of memories of my high school friend, my neighbor in Park Ridge, my Florida friend and now my angle friend. Val I can't believe you slipped out the back door. You are someone I have always loved and admired. May you keep an eye on your lovely family. Thanks for the wonderful memories.

Marie and Bob Nannini

Dear Ones,
The image of Val and Jim that keeps coming back to me is of their wedding day. They were so much in love and that love filled the whole day. That love built the their family. Each child was greeted with joy until you were complete. Seldom have I seen parents enjoy all their children so much. Now the family will be without her but all her best parts are still with and in you. None of us will ever forget her and that bright smile still hangs in the air.
Love from Marianne and Michael

Dear Jim & Girls:
I have so many memories of Val & I growing up, but one always stood out for both of us. We used to laugh about it everytime we got together. Whenever I would sleep over at her house, her Mom would make us 1 egg for breakfast. She only liked the white of the egg and I only liked the yellow. I am so glad that we were able to get together in Florida and talk over old times. She will be truly missed. She was my last link to my Mom's family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Farrell, Jill, Val, Beth and Mariana,

I am truly sorry for your loss. My mom let me know and my how reading all these wonderful entries brings me back. My mom was right, your home was a 2nd home for me--often a better one. I did always feel welcomed and wow what memories: summers in the back yard under a blanket singing Beatles songs, my first trip to DC when you tried to tell me you had to "swing" into the house, an almost first kiss with other families up in DC, our same striped shirts out to Colorado, countless sleepovers, working for your dad, almost puking on the sailboat. These are all delightful memories of which your mom was a mainstay. The generosity and graciousness of your family was amazing to me as a kid. So many memories! I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and may you be blessed with lots of love and family during this hard time.
Thinking of you,
Amy Ricker (Sklena)

Dear Jim, Jill, Valerie, Beth, and Mariana,

I'm not at all surprised to see so many moving messages of support in this guest book. Val was an amazing lady, and I am so sorry she is gone.

As everyone has pointed out, Val was full of life, wisdom, humor, generosity and compassion. And she and Jim raised one of the coolest families I've ever known. I loved growing up next door to all of you, sharing a back yard, swimming in that big metal "pool", climbing trees, riding (or being dragged by) ATVs in the snow and enjoying the sounds of summer contentment as beer-fuelled BBQs raged into the night. I loved knowing that if I ever needed help, I could ring your door bell and Val would be there to sort me out in a reassuring and maternal kind of way (which was really quite saintly of her given what a grubby little kid I was).

All these nostalgic-driven impressions of how great Val was were confirmed in the past several years during trips to Florida to visit my dad and Marilyn. Every time I saw Val, I found myself having great conversations with a woman full of zest and sparkle.

I will miss her.

Much love,
Charity

Dearest Jim and family --

Our hearts are broken for you, and for all of us who have known and loved Val over so many years. A part of us died when we heard the terrible news. We dug out old and recent photographs of our Flamingo gatherings in Florida, Chicago, Door County, Michigan, Colorado, and wherever else we’ve been together. You are really our extended family. It's hard to imagine a world without this wonderful woman -- an incredible daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She leaves a beautiful legacy in all of her children and grandchildren. There are no words to console you, but we pray that, in time, your lovely memories of Val, and the support of each other and all of your friends will bring you consolation. Be assured of our love and support.

Jack and Laurie

Dear Jill and Family:

I was sorry to hear about the loss of Mrs. Farrell. Jill has told only wonderful things about her mother. My thoughts are with you all in this time of sorrow.

Jim, Jill, Valerie, Beth, and Mariana - We were devastated to hear of Val's passing. We recall happier days at Montrose harbor with Val always with a smile and willing to help out. She left us far too soon. We share in your loss and you have our deepest sympathies.

The night I learned that Val Farrell had passed away, I spent the night crying, tossing and turning, and trying to figure out what my life would be like without this wonderful friend. Through the night, I went through all of the holes that would be in my life without her. In the morning, I wrote the following:

If you had Val Farrell for a friend, you had a best friend indeed!

If you had Val Farrell for a friend, you knew you had someone you could talk to for hours! Nothing was off-limits for discussion with Val. She could talk about anything and everything. She would listen to your comments, and if appropriate, ignore your ignorance and congratulate your insights.

If you had Val Farrell for a friend, you didn't need Dr Sanjay Gupta! Val knew everything you needed to know about medicine. She was as comfortable talking about ingrown toenails as she was talking about cystic fibrosis. She knew what drugs you were taking, what they could do for you, and their side effects.

If you had Val Farrell for a friend, you didn't need to watch for new books on the NY Times Bestseller listings. Val knew what books you would like to read and offered them to you! If you ran out of books to read, a quick conversation with Val would add 5 more to your reading list. The best books I've ever read were recommendations from Val.

If you had Val Farrell for a friend, you attended wonderful parties. These could be with a group of 40, or a group of 4! She was the consummate hostess!

If you had Val Farrell for a friend, you learned about wonderful things to eat. She graciously shared her favorite 'comfort food' recipes, and even helped you through them the first time. She also served cutting edge hors d'oeuvres, like those little cheesie things with the proscuitto wrapped in them...who had ever seen those before?

If you had Val Farrell for a friend, you knew about her husband, her girls, and her grandchildren. She loved them all very much! But, she also loved your children and your grandchildren. She always wanted to hear your stories.

If you had Val Farrell for a friend, you laughed a lot! She had a quick wit that everyone loved, and she could always see the funny side of an issue, if there was one!

If you had Val Farrell for a friend, you have lost one of your best friends indeed!

Dear Mr. Farrell and daughters,
The first time I met Mrs. Farrell she bought me a toaster. That simple act exemplifies who she was. She saw a need. Cared about the needy, and showed her love through her caring. How meaningful it was to me as a poor law student. I thought of the Farrells every time I had toast for at least a dozen years. Thanks, too, for the Claddagh ring (she knew I was one of the Black Irish). She raised wonderful
daughters and that is her true legacy in addition to all of her other works. May peace be with you and may your warm and loving memories give you comfort.

Jim and Family,
We feel blessed that Val was a part of our life. Everytime we were together she would ask about our family. She was such a caring, loving lady. We both remember fun times on the boat in Ft. Myers and Val's wonderful smile and the many laughs shared at the many stories about family and friends. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family, but the many wonderful memories of a lovely caring wife, mother, and friend will keep her with us always.

Dear Jim, Val, Beth, Jill & Mariana,
Our hearts go out to you, the girls and actually, everyone who new Val. She will be missed by everyone's life she touched and especially by those who were closest to her. Words just don't seem to justify how we both feel, we're both just so sorry and will miss Val very much.

Dear Jim, Jill, Val, Beth & Mariana:
We are with you in your grieving and will be for a long time. You have lost a precious Mother and Wife and we a close and very dear friend. There will be nothing to fill that void.
Love, Sharon & John Neville

Dear Jim

We are shocked & sorrowed by your loss. We will keep Val in our prayers.

Love

Bobbi & Jim Taormina

Donna and I were shocked and saddened to learn of Val's passing. She was such a exceptional person, friend and professional. It was a delight to work with her for many years at Loyola. We express our condolences to Jim and the young women who had the great fortune of having Val as their mother.
Tom and Donna

Dear Jim, Jill, Val, Beth and Mariana,
Debbie and I were so sad to hear the news. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. My fondest memories are of family vacations together your family. We consider ourselves lucky to have known Val. She will be missed always.

Love,
Mike, Debbie, Ryan, Shane and Rachel Kelly

Jim,
I've only known Val a short time, but knew from the beginning she was a very warm and loving person. I am very lucky to have known her. I am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughters.

Dear Jim & Girls
Baykar & I were so sad to read about Valerie passing on. We have such fond memories of her when she lived at 4300 and montrose harbor!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy
Baykar & Chicki

Dear Mariana, Beth, Val, Jill and Jim,

The last time I was with Val she recounted with pride and love what each of you were up to. She also listened with genuine interest after asking for an update on my life. I have a vivid image of her face in my mind, with her bright eyes and big smile, as she listened with intent to every detail.

As a child I remember her always looking out for me and Mariana and giving us special privileges as the young ones in the crowd during our group vacations in Door County or during extended stays at your house. I'm so sorry that she is no longer with us, but feel fortunate to have known her. I have been and will be thinking of your family as you mourn the loss of your vibrant, loving, generous, strong and intelligent mother and wife.

With love,

Dear Jim, Jill, Val, Beth and Mariana,
I'm so sorry to hear that Val passed away. What a terrible shock and a tragic loss for you and everyone whose life she has touched. I remember how laid back and fun Val was on our vacations to Door County. She was always such a calm, welcoming and generous host, even when large packs of loud kids and adults filled up the deck of the Farrell family boat or vacation condo living room.

I'm thinking of each of you as you work through the pain of this tremendous loss, and will cherish my memories of Val's fun-loving nature and warmth.

Much love and with deep sympathy,
Cathy Kelly

Dear Jim, Jill, Valerie, Beth and Mariana,
Our world is now lacking one gracious, intelligent, fun loving, insightful, and loving woman, but she left us a really good man and four beautiful daughters who are imbued with her spirit and we are enriched by knowing them. No doubt, Val will remain in our hearts and minds, and we will be comforted by knowing that she no longer has to struggle with bodily pains. We will know that her indomitable spirit lives with us and with others she has loved, and that they, in the fullness, of God's grace are still loving and caring for us. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend, Val, but we live in the hope of seeing her again. Our love and sincere condolences to all of you.
Joanne and Joe Kelly

Never met "Mom" as Jill referred to her (but saw many photos). However, I heard tales of the Farrell children and their many adventures through the years. So, I know of her through the stories often told over a cold beverage. Jill always spoke proudly of her mother and the streak of independence that was encouraged. "Mom's" greatest testement and legacy is the wonderful children she raised. I look forward to hearing the further adventures of the Farrell children and how Mom and Dad played a role.
Val Farrell's impact will be felt through her children and what a wonderful job she did raising them.
My best to the Farrell's at this time.-randall

I am so truly sorry for the loss to your family. Val was always welcoming to those around her and made you feel like you had known her your whole life after just 5 minutes. She always seemed to have a smile on her face. I will never forget the college days spent on the boat with your family in the harbor, lazy days spent cruising the lake, and the fabulous times going downtown on the boat to watch fireworks on the 3rd of July. Truly my best times enjoying the city were spent with your family on the boat. You can tell she was happiest when surrounded by her family and it didn't take much to see how much she loved her family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and I hope that your memories and those of others will bring you peace.

Love, Tammy Kwiatkoski

O

Dearest Jim and family, We are so terribly sorry about your sudden loss of Val. She was such a kind and wonderful person and you are all a loving family which is a tribute to the love of Val. Please know that you are in our prayers and thoughts every day. Our good Lord will carry you through this sorrow.

Val was a wonderful lady and I am glad we were able to spend time with her in Florida this year. All our prayers and sympathy go out to her family.

Jim & Family
We were totally shocked and still can't believe it happen - our deepest regrets and prayers are with all of you.

Farrell Family,

Carrie and I were devastated to hear this terrible news. No words can express the emotions we feel. We can only send our thoughts and prayers. Just know that you are loved and thought of constantly by a whole lot of people.

Take Care,
Jack and Carrie Kelly

Dear Jim and Flock:
Sorry about Val. Didn't know until Mort sent me an alert. Hope all is well with you and yours. Where did the time go?

Dear Jim and children,
Deepest sympathy to all of you on the loss of your wife and mother, Valerie. The grade school days of my children are filled with good memories of your family. You were a 2nd home to Amy and I sure enjoyed all the kindness and generosity you extended to us. I hope time helps all of you heal with blessings and kindness. Prayers to you.
Sincerely,
Kathy Sklena

Val was a wonderful woman and so devoted to her family. I met her and Jim some forty years ago, and there are many warm and happy memories. In those days we especially enjoyed food and drink at Chicago's great Greek restaurants, most notably The Parthenon. Val left us too soon. May she rest in peace.

Dear Jim & Daughters,

My deepest sympathies. Val was a fine lady. Joan Sinadinos (Mrs. James J.)

Though much time has passed since I saw Val and Jim last, you were in my thoughts often. My love, thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. God Bless and comfort you at this time.

I will never forget the fun days we spent on the boat with Jim & Val or the great day Sharon Neville and I shared with Val at the yacht club in Ft. Myers where she hosted our "red hat" event. I've never laughed so much. We will all miss Val very much. Love - Jack and Barb Farmer

Aunt Val will not soon be forgotten, though she is immediately missed. From the wonderful array of snackfoods on board to coaxing me to dive right into 60 degree lake water; from the way she shamed Dad for being an idiot with his health to never correcting those of us who thought Callahan was named Kal Kan (until we were of a certain age); from the water/trash fight of Nicolet Bay to the Ensign regatta in Racine (and the drive back); from the 3rd of July microburst to sitting onboard at the harbor on the most beautiful of days; from the infamous Jellystone Park camping adventures (“Bring the marshmallows!” and “Mommy wouldn’t help me”) and summer vacations in Door County to talks on the foredeck where your value as a person was always respected (and more importantly, reinforced). All of these and thousands more memories will live on.

My deepest condolences to my “Uncle” Jim – You and Val provided me with some of the best moments of my childhood and beyond. May you continue to find joy in your family under Val’s watch. And to my “cousins” Jill, Val, Beth, and Mariana – I’ve never seen a mother so proud of her daughters. May you and your families continue on under the umbrella of her proud gaze, and remember that you will always be the Five Belles.

Dear Jim and Family,
Shock and deep sadness, soften only by wonderful memories of Val--her open, friendly smile, infectious laugh and genuine interest in others. Tom and I consider ourselves fortunate indeed to have enjoyed her company and good spirits for so many years. Our prayers for Chist's comfort are directed to you and the enire family.

Dear Jill, Val, Beth, Patrick and Mariana

I am truly saddened to learn of the death of your mother. She was a gracius lady and one of whom I was fond. I watched as she gathered her brood around the long table and enjoyed real family life. I listened as the late night parties brought laughter and your father's off key singing of the ballads wakened me from a deep sleep. Often you were up til the wee hours of the morning. As you grieve, just remember what a great lady [ I emphasize lady] she was.

I still remember mornings when you girls would come visit me as I read my paper on my patio and little Mariana would jump on my lap. I remember much about the grat shared backyard. My affection to all of you; you, too Jim. My thoughts have wondered to you more than once during these many years.

Gail

You are and will be missed!!