Bernadette Farrell

Bernadette Farrell passed away on February 8, 2026. Born Mary Bernadette Kelly (she preferred Bernadette) in Southampton, New York, daughter of William Francis Kelly and Mary Ann (Brady) Kelly, Bernadette was educated at her local parish school, continued on to the Academy of the Sacred Heart of Mary in Sag Harbor, and received her undergraduate BA in English from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale on the Hudson, New York. Subsequently , she received her MS in Special Education from Adelphi University, as well as a certificate in Gerontology from the Adelphi School of Nursing.

During a Tea Dance at Manhattan College, she met her future husband, Peter. Married in 1962, they made their home in Arlington, Virginia, where Bernadette taught English at George Mason High School. Their small family grew, and she became a full time mother and homemaker. Four years later, with three young sons, Peter and Bernadette relocated to Huntington Station, Long Island, New York. Life was very busy and rewarding. Searching for a part time volunteer opportunity, she was introduced to the Association for the Help of Retarded Children Pre-School, becoming a classroom aide. This 1 morning a week grew into an avid interest and love for the field of Special Education. Juggling 3 sons, a husband who commuted daily, running a household, undaunted, Bernadette enrolled in an MS Program. Though it took 3 years, much dedication of her husband (he would meet her and the 3 boys at 5pm halfway to the University, where the boys would hop into his car for the return). When asked for a highlight of her career, she always responded, “The classroom”, because of the joy and enthusiasm they expressed as they eagerly entered the room, their smiles and efforts to please, and their giving ways. Over the years, she moved from the classroom to Administrator, ending her career as a Treatment Team Leader for the New York State Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

Preceded in death by her parents, sister, and husband of 46 years, she is survived by their 3 sons, Peter Jr. (Carmel) Grand Junction, Colorado, Kevin (Susan) Florence, Oregon, and Christopher (Armelle), Sarzeau, France, grandchildren Caoilinn Denali, Marin Kelly, Lindsey Nicole, Vivian Helene and Claire Mary, and Great Grandson Bilal Selim. She is also survived by sister-in-law Margaret Farrell of Brooklyn, NY and brother-in-law Eugene Farrell of Westminister, MA.

In 2005, Peter and Bernadette left their beloved home in Eaton’s Neck, with good friends and cherished memories, to live closer to their Olympia family. Here they had the opportunity to cheer at soccer games, clap at piano recitals, observe medals growing in number for dressage (horses), and participate in many extended family gatherings. Meaningful and loving visits with their adventurous Colorado family continued to be a highlight; Sarzeau, France family graciously welcomed the entire family for an unforgettable culinary and sightseeing vacation, while we all cherished those gatherings when the whole gang came together.

Bernadette continued to be the role model her parents exemplified by actively volunteering with Literacy Volunteers of America, Certified Hospice, St.Vincent de Paul Community Outreach, Minister of Consolation, Eucharistic Minister, and Washington State Ombudsman.

Bernadette embraced life in a contemplative mode. She relished time alone with her questions about her role in the World, frequently referring to herself as a daydreamer. Socially she embraced new friends and activities as a member of the Capital City Newcomers Club. She was also a member, over the years, of the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation where she found multiple opportunities to engage in social justice issues.

A celebrations of life was held in Olympia, Washington with family and friends to cheer for a life well lived. Internment will take place in a family plot in Southampton, Long Island, New York.