Ann Farrington

On Oct. 7, 2009, Ann Farrington died peacefully in her home in Hideaway after a short struggle with cancer. Ann's life will be celebrated in a funeral Mass on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, Lindale, with the Rev. Mark Dunn officiating.

Ann was born on Aug. 30, 1938, in Van Buren, Ark., to the late William Gerald and Fern Cobb Settle. She was the fourth of six children. She grew up in Van Buren but spent much of her young adult life in New England before returning to Arkansas and then moving to Garland. She worked at Texas Instruments and retired in 1995, at which point she moved to Hideaway. Ann was very active in the Hideaway Art League and was an accomplished painter and avid bridge player.

Ann was gentle and kind but she was not afraid to speak up for the rights of others, particularly children and animals. She loved the unspoiled beauty of nature and enjoyed her trips to the Pacific Northwest with her daughter, Amy. Ann was very creative and she could master any craft she tackled, from crochet to macramé to painting. Her cowboy party decorations were legendary. Ann also enjoyed spending time with her adoring grandchildren, Phillip and David. Ann loved to laugh and to have a good time. Ann was warm, vibrant and fun-loving. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed.

Ann is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 50 years, Phillip Farrington of Hideaway; her son, John Farrington of Dallas; daughter, Amy Farrington of Burbank, Calif.; daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ann Farrington and Kevin Woolley of Austin, and grandchildren, Phillip and David Woolley; and her sisters, Patty Faldon of Frisco, Gay Mikkelsen of San Antonio and Sue Burkhalter of San Antonio. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved sister, Gerry Rood, and brother, David Settle.

During her years in Hideaway, Ann made many wonderful friends.

Ann's family wishes to thank Ann's friends from Hideaway and from Holy Family Catholic Church who have been so helpful and supportive during her illness and since. Ann's family also wishes to thank Hospice of East Texas for the care that they gave Ann.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA, the Humane Society or Hospice of East Texas.