SHREWSBURY: Mary Lou (Gannon) Farrell, 88, passed away August 15, 2023 in Worcester. Her husband Dr. Peter E. Farrell predeceased her in 1994.
Mary Lou leaves her daughter Kathleen Connolly and her husband Terrance, her son Sean P. Farrell and his wife Sue, her grandchildren Joseph, John and James Connolly, brothers John Gannon and his wife Jean and Thomas Gannon and his wife Mary Ellen and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Patricia Dumphy and brother in law Ralph Dumphy.
Mary Lou, or “Lulu” as she was known to many who adored her, was born December 20, 1934 in Worcester, daughter of the late Mary (Cusack) and John Gannon. Her roots were in Worcester where she grew up, attended Anna Maria College where she earned her Bachelor’s degree and Worcester State University where she earned her Master’s degree in Education. Lulu then began an adventurous life traveling to Germany and then Japan teaching US Military children. It was in Japan where she met her match, a handsome young man named Peter Farrell. With the prospect of two lives taking different paths, a fate they both avoided in the name of love, they were married and settled in Philadelphia in 1968 and then moved to Allentown, PA where they raised their family.
Together Peter and Lulu enjoyed travelling to new places and experiencing new cultures and sharing these experiences with their children. Always laughing, Lulu celebrated life as it was happening, quick with a toast to family and friends often with her signature Cosmopolitan in hand. She was the center of a loving family with her grandchildren and children at her side at all of life’s big events. In the years following the loss of her husband she lived a life of purpose, strength and independence that inspired everyone that loved her.
All are welcome to gather with Mary Lou’s family and friends Friday August 18th from 4pm to 7pm at Roney Funeral Home 152 Worcester St. N. Grafton, MA 01536. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday August 19th at 11am at St. Mary’s Church 17 Waterville St. N. Grafton, MA 01536. Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers please honor Lulu with a donation to Doctors without Borders.
A Book of Memories to share a special message with her family is available at www.RoneyFuneralHome.com