Elizabeth E. "Betty" Farrell

1935 - 2021

Elizabeth E. "Betty" Farrell, age 85, of Erie passed away on Monday, January 18, 2021. She was born on March 1, 1935 in Archbald, Pa., a daughter of the late Charles P. and Mary (Philbin) Clemens.

She grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y. and Allentown, Pa. graduating from Allentown's Central Catholic High School. She met her future partner in life of sixty-three years, Charlie Farrell, in 1953, marrying him in 1957 at St. Catherine of Sienna Church. In 1960, they moved to Erie to begin their own employment business, now known as Infinity Resources, which is led by the third generation of their family. Upon moving to Erie, Betty made many close friends whom she cherished.

Betty was a kind and generous person, giving unsparingly of her time and talents to her family, friends, and church. Her greatest joys and accomplishments centered on her family and her faith. After raising her four children, she enjoyed being a part of the lives of her 11 grandchildren, regularly chauffeuring them around to their many activities. A lifelong communicant, Betty cherished attending daily Mass at St. Andrew Church where she and Charlie shared their faith for more than 50 years. She was also an active member of the St. Andrew's Ladies Guild.

Betty was a prolific letter-writer and loved to keep in touch with her friends, some correspondences spanning decades. She was well-known for her German Nut Bars and the Secret Recipe Turkey Filling our family had every Thanksgiving.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Patrick Dovishaw; and her siblings Paul Clemens, Mary Spetland, Margaret Olson and Robert Clemens.

Betty is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Charles W. Farrell, her children: Martin J. Farrell, Helene Farrell-Dovishaw, husband John; Thomas P. Farrell, wife Jody; and Nancy R. Farrell; eleven grandchildren, Margaret, Nora, Erin, Zachary, Katerina, Drew, Gabriella, Nicholas, Ryan, Emily and Ava; a sister, Ann Burns and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of a funeral mass at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew Church, 1116 West 7th Street. Burial will be private in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Emmaus Soup Kitchen, 345 East 9th Street, Erie, PA 16503.

Condolences may be sent at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com.

Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.