It is with profound sadness that the family of Sylvia June Farrell announces the passing of our loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and friend on February 19, 2023. Sylvia was 84 and is survived by her loving husband Lawrence James Farrell. She is the caring mother of her six children Victoria (Paul), Lynne (Mike), Brian (Ady), Bill (Laurie), Bob (Thea), and Diane (Rick). She loved her grandchildren Cole, Micheal (Kayla), Clint (Shagun), Martey (Stefan), Alex, Mandy (Will), Gavin (Hailey), Danielle (Chris), Sydney, Della Mae, Annaliesa, Emma and Tess and adored her great grandchildren, Bo and Layne.
Sylvia is also survived by her sister Linda, and sisters-in-laws, Lois, Maureen (Gary), June and Maria. She will also be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews and their families.
Sylvia is predeceased by her parents, Jean Della (Ewen) and William Wallace, her in-laws, Barbara, Frank, William, Kevin, and her loving grandson Brock Marshall.
Born on January 17th, 1939 and raised in Beaverton on Simcoe Street, Sylvia was always getting into mischief with her younger sister, Linda. In the 9th grade, she met Larry, the love of her life. She would ride her bike to his family farm where they would spend sunny weekend afternoons swimming in the Severn Waterway from lock 41 to 40. In high school, she was very academic while also participating in many activities including cheerleading and high jumping. After graduation, Sylvia went to the Toronto Teachers College and quickly started her career in Balmy Beach Toronto for her first year.
Sylvia and Larry were married on July 22, 1961. They had a beautiful wedding surrounded by friends and family. Soon after, they moved to their farm in
Gamebridge where they created a life filled with everlasting memories. Their first of six children came quickly giving her the well- deserved status of “matriarch”. Everyone, including Larry, knew where the line was and it was never crossed.
The farmhouse was always filled not only with the Farrell family, but their cousins and friends. On many occasions Sylvia was referenced as a “role model” or “hero” to those she welcomed into her home. Not only did she give great direct advice, she was always prepared to feed anyone who walked into their home. The household was rarely quiet and the dinner table always filled with family and friends enjoying Sylvia’s amazing cooking and baking.
Sylvia quickly turned into “Marna” and her love and protective disposition was directed towards each and every one of her 14 grandchildren. Joyful Sunday dinners were always spent at the farm where there were always many hands in the cookie jar.
Sylvia’s passionate personality extended into her community as a respected teacher, President of the Historical Society, Red Hats Society, Member of the Curling Club, Director and Actress of the Beaverton Town Hall Players (some still talk about her role as Bloody Mary) and although not a Member of the Lion Club she was Larry's main secretary.
Sylvia stayed very active throughout her life. She really enjoyed a good curling bonspiel! The most significant family event was the Farrell Girls vs. Farrell Boys. Sylvia vs. Larry- Sylvia and her girls won annually which was no surprise to the family or their friends for that matter. She played many golf games and tournaments. You could always find her at a euchre table. This was one of the only times that Larry would sometimes win. She was beyond theatrical - if you had the pleasure of seeing her in a play or even blessing the haggis at the Robbie Burns bonspiel you know what a great joy it was to watch her perform.
Sylvia loved her community and was very fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful neighbours and friends. Your support and friendship throughout the years has been very much appreciated.
Sylvia Farrell has significantly impacted the lives of so many of people. She will be lovingly remembered for her lifetime contribution to the community as a committed volunteer and participant, her overwhelming dedication to friendships and her unwavering devotion to family. Visitation will be held at the Mangan Funeral Home, Beaverton on Thursday February 23 rd from 5-9 P.M. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Brechin on Friday February 24th at 9:30 A.M. Spring interment St. Columbkille Cemetery, Uptergrove. If so desired memorial donations to the Beaverton Thorah Eldon Historical Society or to the Harold Lodwick Citizenship Award would be greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences are welcomed at manganfuneralhome.com