Fannie A. (Herenda) Farrell

Fannie A. (Herenda) Farrell, 97, loving wife of the late Thomas J. Farrell and formerly of Berlin, CT, died peacefully Saturday. Born in Benwood, WV to the late Anton Herenda and Vica (Cetinic) Herenda of Croatia, she was raised in her beloved Hoboken, NJ where she graduated from Demarest High School and worked for General Foods Research Labs. She was a resident of Berlin for over 65 years, where she devoted her life to raising her 11 children. Fannie was also secretary to the Berlin Zoning Board of Appeals for many years. She was very active and loved in the local community, particularly dedicated to St. Paul’s Church, Kensington, and was an original member of their St. Theresa’s Mother Circle. A secular Franciscan, she was a member of the Immaculate Conception Fraternity Order. Later in life she was employed as a secretary at Ciba-Geigy Corporation in Farmington. After retiring, Fannie spent many years volunteering as an office assistant at St. Paul’s Middle School, which she enjoyed tremendously, and was their 1998 volunteer of the year. 

Fannie leaves behind a legacy of love, family, faith and friendship, and brought joy to those around her through her spirit, smile, and encouragement. She will remain an inspiration to all who were blessed to have known her. She loved to dance, travel, play endless card games, and watch Jeopardy, among many other things, and she lived with enthusiasm every day of her 97 years.

Fannie is survived by 9 of her 11 children: John Farrell of Middlefield, CT, William and his wife, Mary Farrell of North Garden, VA, Thomas and his wife, Lisa Barsumian of Jamestown, RI, Donald and his wife, Janis Hogan of St. Simons Island, GA, Geralyn and her husband, John Cassone of Stamford, CT, David and his wife, Patricia Farrell of Hilton Head, SC, Maureen Farrell of Erie, PA, Josh and his wife, Shinobu Farrell of Wilton, CT, Ned and his wife, Sharyn Farrell of Waterford, CT, a sister-in-law, Gladys Johnson, and a daughter-in-law, Sharon Farrell. She was blessed with 22 wonderful grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Besides her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a daughter, Vickie-Ann (Farrell) Smith, a son, Timothy J. Farrell (wife Sharon), a brother, Anthony Herenda and her brother-in-law, John W. Farrell.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday from 5-7 pm at the Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin, 111 Chamberlain Highway. Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday at 10:00 am at St. Paul’s Church, Kensington. Burial immediately following at Maple Cemetery, Berlin. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. Paul’s School in Kensington.

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