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Ann MacFarlane Obituary
Perry was born on June 17, 1947 in Newburyport, Massachusetts, the third and final child of Arthur and Berta (Rogers) Sager, who were both longtime teachers at Governor Dummer Academy (now known as The Governor's Academy) in Byfield, MA. She grew up as a "faculty brat" at Governor Dummer where she established the first of many communities of friends. Perry's mother, a Christian Scientist, died of breast cancer when Perry was 17. By that time her family had moved on from Governor Dummer and was living in Topsfield, MA, where Perry was among the first graduating classes of Masconomet High School.
Next, Perry graduated from Lasell College, in Ashburnham, MA with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She lived and worked in and around Boston, MA for a while before meeting and marrying Ronald M. MacFarlane, also of Newburyport, in 1970. The couple moved to Kent, Connecticut in 1972 where they lived, worked and raised a family over the next 27 years. While in Kent, Perry worked first in the Admissions Office at South Kent School and then in the College Guidance and Admissions Offices at Kent School. She also gave birth to her two children in Kent, Seth Woodbury MacFarlane in 1973 (later the creator of Fox TV's Family Guy, American Dad! and The Cleveland Show) and Rachael Ann (MacFarlane) Laudiero in 1976 (later a primary voice actress on Fox TV's American Dad!).
In 1999, Perry and Ron moved to Ojai, California where Perry continued her outstanding work in independent school administration as an Admissions Officer at the Ojai Valley School. Perry formally retired from the school in June, 2009.
Throughout her adult life, Perry traveled extensively in the United States for the independent schools she represented. She and her husband Ron also traveled widely across Europe and the U.S. over those years.
In addition to being skilled in raising house and garden plants, loving to read and write, and cultivating deep friendships wherever she lived, Perry was an inveterate animal lover. Over the course of her life, she raised and adored all manner of both wild and domestic animals. The cremated remains of beloved pets populated her living space to the end.
Perry had a spirit and energy that buoyed both loved ones and strangers alike. To be in her presence was what many said to be the equivalent of a B12 shot. Her vivacious personality was infectious, and she loved life and shoes and handbags too much to be taken so young.
Perry leaves behind her children and husband, one granddaughter, a sister who resides in Maine and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, Perry's family urges friends and relatives to make their donations to the Humane Society or ASPCA in her name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ann MacFarlane
David
June 21, 2025
Auburndale, not Ashburnham.
Steven Fisher
February 23, 2021
You gave us a gift in the comical sense. For that alone we ❤❤❤ you! RIP. Anne.
m king
September 30, 2010
Dear Family,
Please know that your loved one is sleeping peacefully.We look forward to the time when Jesus Christ will fulfill his promise to awaken those sleeping in death to a wonderful life on a peaceful paradise earth(John5:28,29)
September 27, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family on your loss.
Sheryll & Dan Robb
August 24, 2010
Anyone who ever met Perry MacFarlane adored her! Perry was always such a breath of fresh air. We shared many laughs over the decades...from the old "hippie" parties to working together at Kent School. Our love goes out to the MacFarlane family.
Jennifer Almquist
August 4, 2010
I loved Perry. She was an original - filled with vibrant energy and infectious joy. We were buddies during her Kent years. I was a faculty brat at Kent School and my parents, Jeanne and John Almquist were early members of her fan club. I can close my eyes and see her shaking her bangs while she told some very funny story, hearing her many bracelets merrily clink together as she spoke with her hands! Perry was a force of nature. She loved her family and she loved life. I remember that she wore a small gold medal from the Olympics on a chain. I often thought that if there was a competition for being sincere, funny, brave, and wonderfully human, she would always take the gold. I also remember staying with her at the hospital after her van rolled over on her. Her only concerns, despite her massive injuries, were for her family. I have missed seeing her for years now, and am so sad that I cannot tell her again how sensational she is. I send hugs to Rachel and Seth, and extend my love across the time and years that separate us, especially to Ron who loved her dearly. My family and I share your grief.
jill cresko
August 4, 2010
So sad to hear of her passing. What a great role model. I hope that her legacy for the animals lives on forever. Her passion for animals and in raising such a talented son speaks volumes of who she truly was.
Meghan Robb
August 2, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are going out to Ron, Seth and Rachael. Perry was a rare soul, she had a gift for making everyone she came in contact with feel like we were something special. She touched my life beginning from when I was a sitter for Seth and Rachael, to interviewing my son for KS, to just seeing her out and about in our little town. Earth is a bit less bright without Perry, but Heaven is much more luminous....
Tammy Tiziano
August 2, 2010
Dear Ron, Racheal and Seth,
My deepest condolences are with you on the loss of your wonderful Mom and wife. You guys will never know me, but Perrys son Seth kept me from checking out and he doesnt even know it. His show, Family Guy, kept me going during a time of my life that was beyond harrowing. Just being able to watch it and laugh like a fool kept me sane. Thank you Petty and Ron for creating such an amazing son. RIP Perry.
Walter Barber
August 1, 2010
I was sad to learn of Perry's passing last evening while attending Masconomet's Sweey Sixteen Class of '65' reunion at the Topsfield Fairgrounds.
Perry lit-up the classroom, she was so much fun to be around.
I am sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person.
Laurie K
August 1, 2010
Although I didn't know Mrs.MacFarlane personally, I want to thank her and her husband for raising Seth and Rachel with such great humor and open-mindedness. Their family reminds me of mine, as our parents have wacky senses of humor and are animal lovers as well. My brother and I have loved Seth's work and it has helped us through some difficult times. May a lot of good, happy memories comfort the family and friends of Mrs. MacFarlane.
July 31, 2010
Dearest Ron, Seth and Rachel so sorry for your loss. We heard of dear Perry's passing on the Larry King show. He presented a beautiful tribute and captured her vivacious personality. Perry always brought a smile and laughter to all. You all were a happy-go-lucky family. She will be missed. Much love and sorrow The Gilsenan Family Maria,Gene,kristen,Kari, Brendan
Emily Hyndman
July 30, 2010
My heart is with you at this hard time, Ron, Seth and Rachel. Rest In Peace, Ann.
Carri M. Layhue
July 29, 2010
Dear Ron, Seth, and Rachel,
My heart, love and comforting vibes are sent out to you. Ann sounds like a most lovely lady; and I'm glad you had each other, and that she was able to touch so many people so warmly.
RICK KNAPP
July 29, 2010
RON, SETH, RACHEL, SO SORRY TO READ IN LAKEVILLE JOURNAL THIS AM OF YOUR LOSS OF PERRY. HAD MANY LAUGHS WAY BACK WHEN. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL
Diane Chase
July 28, 2010
Ron, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family at this most difficult time.
Best,
Diane Chase
Becca Fieler
July 27, 2010
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time and always. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Ruth Butt
July 27, 2010
Ron- So sorry for the loss of Perry. My thoughts are with you. Ruth Butt
Judy Alderman
July 27, 2010
Perry was a wonderful person. Always loved seeing what type of jewerly she would have on at work each day. She was always a ray of sunshine and laughter. My thoughts and prayer with Ron, Seth and Rachel.
Susan Benson
July 26, 2010
So many wonderful memories... Do I tell about the summer that we were both platinum blond? "From the same box,"according to my mother. Or do I tell about the summer that I got dragged to some hole in the wall on rt.1 to listen to some unknown singer who was "soooo cute"? Horrible idea? I guess not 'cause she did get his attention and they did get married. Who knew? Perry did! How about a beer for lunch when you are recovering from being rolled over by a van and suffering from hypoglycimia. "There is a sandwich in every beer," according to Perry. I like the way she thinks!
No, the story took place on November 9, 1965. Her Dad and my Mom were married and we had been left alone to fend for ourselves(no easy task). We started to make dinner and the electricity went out. No big deal. We would just go to "Putly Pantly"(better known as Putnam Pantry) and have an ice cream Sunday. As we drove down rt.1 there were no lights on. Anywhere. It was dark. It was spooky. We listened to the news and the whole eastern part of the United States and part of Canada had lost electricity. There were not very many cars on the road and the world seemed to be quiet. Perry was able to focus on the sky and the beautiful stars. There were so many stars and the whole world had seemed to stop and look at the sky with us. Perry had been able to turn what should have been a scary night into a wonderfully peaceful event. We enden up having dinner at Frairs Appothecary. We ordered something from the grill but had to have cold sandwiches and no frappes. Perry was able to make everything better.
Janice Tower
July 26, 2010
Ron, Seth & Rachael, I was saddend to learn the news of Perry's passing. She was such a bright spot in the years that I worked with her at Kent School. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Warm wishes, Jan Tower.
Linda (Kim) Patch
July 25, 2010
Perry was my childhood friend and the memories of our adventures together could
fill a (comic) book. My family lived near the campus of Governor Dummer and we both attended kindergarten in Byfield. One of our favorite pastimes was to scour the boys' dorms when they were in class for anything they might have that wasn't allowed and we would promise not to report them in return for candy!
Both of our families moved to Topsfield in 1953 and we continued our friendship; trips to Plum Island with
Ellie, partying at Peter and Jean's
wedding, Ipswich Sanctuary visits with
friends that were boys!, having an unauthorized teenage party at Perry's house when Art and Bertha were away, and graduation from Proctor School and Masconomet.
We were always thinking of new ways to have fun and what I will forever remember is the childhood glee and laughter that we shared with each other
and others.
May memories bring comfort to Perry's family and friends. As you mourn the loss, may you also celebrate the life. My thought and prayers are with you.
Linda (Kim) Kimball Patch
Topsfield, Massachusetts
ent to kindergarten with Perry in Byfield
Linda (Ortega) Kent
July 24, 2010
I was in Brownies with Perry and have so many good memories of her. She taught me the “Great green gobs “ song…to this day I can repeat every word. She used to sing Johnny Horton”s “Battle of New Orleans”…. whenever I hear that song which isn’t very often since it is so old, I think of Perry. She always made me laugh so hard I would cry…She was so funny with the greatest personality.
Although I haven’t seen Perry since High School I never forgot her and always showed the brownie pictures at our Class Reunions. We also went to day camp together along with Helen Tierney and Cindy Brooks…she made it so much fun…
My heart goes out to you, her family… my thoughts are with you. Please know that many of her classmates from Boxford, Topsfield, and Middleton are sending you their prayers.
July 24, 2010
The most fun person I have ever met.
Maryalice Thomas
July 24, 2010
I loved being in the company of Perry at Masco. She made me laugh, she made us all laugh. From singing in the alto section in chorus, to secret crazy languages, to piercing ears and streaking our hair, to classes shared and Frolics enjoyed, Perry lit up our lives. My deepest condolences and sympathies to the Sager/MacFarlane families and friends. Maryalice (Brown) Thomas
July 23, 2010
I, too, was a Governor Dummer Academy faculty brat and grew up knowing and loving Perry. To Ron and your family: I can't begin to understand your grief at your devastating loss buy my grief is profound. I had always hoped that we at some point have the time to spend a bit of quality time together. Janet (Murphy) Leavitt, NH
Marge Smith
July 22, 2010
It's not easy finding the right words to describe what it's like to be around the MacFarlanes. Well, one word does come to mind. Nuttiness. And Per was the queen of it all. Through my tears this last week have come many, many silly, crazy, nutty memories of life with Per, Ron, Seth and Rach here in Kent. And of course, the dogs. Telling stories, laughing till our sides hurt, finding joy in the littlest of things. Most of all, though, watching the pride Per and Ron showed as they raised their fabulous children. One of the joys of my time with them was a week spent on Star Island - it rained the whole time, and there was no way off the small island. Three adults, two bored kids and a whole bunch of people we didn't know. Perry declared that it was all my fault, and from thenceforth I was a Weather Jinx. Rain anywhere on the East Coast? It's Marge's fault. You don't want to go on vacation with Marge - it will rain! That jinx was the source of much laughter and gentle teasing for many years. I will think of her now whenever it rains, and I will smile. And also when I put potato chips in my roast beef sandwich, or pickles, or both..... Ave atque vale, dear friend.
July 22, 2010
I was lucky enough to be Perries" BEST FRIEND " at age 14-17 yrs. old. We went to high school together at Masconomet in Topsfield, Mass. She was always living in the moment and her joy and laughter surrounded her like a hugh balloon. Every one wanted to be with her because of this amazing love for life. She helped me through dark times with the help of her amazing family. Her dad was filled with the same life force and her sisters were my friends too! I miss Jeannie and I send my love to Nellie and family.
.I also read the obituary in the Boston Globe the morning of my own breast cancer surgery. She was there with me ,I could sense it, I had no idea she was going through this horrible time.I dedicate to her my promise to help in every way I can to fight this disease.
Janice Silver
July 21, 2010
Per will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate to have met her, if you met her you were her friend! I loved Per and when we did get a chance to talk is was like time had not passed and we were still sitting at desks opposite each other. Our love and sympathy are with you Ron, Seth and Rach, Ellie and all the rest.
Love,
Jim and Jan
Karen Greenfield
July 21, 2010
I have had a picture on my refrigerator for years that shows Perry, Barb Scott and Jeanne Almquist and me in the throes of hysterical laughter as we attempted, way too many times, to set a camera on a timer and race back to a sofa for a group shot.
Her humor and joy for life will be missed by so many.
Love to Ron.
Karen Greenfield
Bruce Adams
July 21, 2010
I am very sad to hear of Perry's passing. I remember her as a vivacious,funny lady whose kids always called her Per. Having taught those 2 kids I can attest to how much a part of them Perry was. My thoughts and prayers are with Ron,Seth & Rachel.
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