Ann Louise McFarlane

1937 - 2023

Ann Louise McFarlane (neé Funkhouser), 86, of Charlottesville, Virginia died peacefully, surrounded by her three children, on October 29, 2023. She was predeceased by her husband, the love of her life, David John McFarlane; by her parents, H. Gray Funkhouser and Louise Thompson Funkhouser; by her brother John G. Funkhouser; and is remembered by a host of family and friends in Virginia, New England, and Upstate New York; and by Presbyterian Women around the world. Her gracious and boundless hospitality was extended to anyone and everyone who entered her home. In retirement, she particularly enjoyed embarking on river cruises with her husband and dear friends, knitting prayer shawls, and hosting her Philanthropy Education Organization (PEO) sisters when they were in Charlottesville.

Mrs. McFarlane was born in Exeter, New Hampshire on March 15, 1937, and was a graduate of Northfield Mount Hermon and the University of Rochester. She loved riding horses with her childhood friend, Betsy Macumber Ensor, and rolling marbles down the uneven floors of Cilley Hall, where her family lived while her father taught mathematics at Phillips Exeter Academy.

As an active and generous clergy spouse, she served three wonderful congregations who returned to her and her family the affection and respect with which she regarded them: First Presbyterian Church, Pittsford, New York; North Presbyterian Church, Williamsville, New York; and The Presbyterian Church, Sewickley, Pennsylvania. In these settings, she continued honing her skills in watercolor painting, liturgical dance, leading worship, weaving, baking, canning, and international service through Presbyterian Women. Her turkey vegetable soup and homemade bread were highlights of the annual meeting for the Session of North Church.

Mrs. McFarlane had a long and distinguished tenure with Presbyterian Women. She was President of the Synodical of the Northeast; one of three international co-moderators of the Presbyterian Women's Churchwide Coordinating Team, focusing on mission relationships; and President of the Presbyterial Association of Western New York. She was known for stopping meetings mid-stream to encourage a "hug attack" in order to build relationships, diffuse tension, add levity, and encourage all in attendance to love one another. She left a rich legacy of handwritten letters, sermons, and journals - documenting her many travels and experiences over her 20+ year career as a leader among Presbyterian Women.

Mrs. McFarlane is survived by three children and their families: Steven Hume McFarlane and his wife Casey of Louisburg, North Carolina; and his children Emma (Michael), Jake, Rory, and Will; Emma and Michael's children, Jameson and Olivia; Elizabeth Ann McFarlane of Durham, North Carolina; Christopher John McFarlane and his wife Susan Webber of Alexandria, Virginia and his sons John and David. She is also survived by her AFS son, Jens Lohmann of Saudi Arabia and his family; her nephew Peter (Carmen), her nieces Sarah (Tim), Susan, and Lisa (Trent), and many cousins throughout the Shenandoah Valley.

A memorial service is planned for June 8, 2024 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911.