Imelda Marcella FARRELL

FARRELL, Imelda Marcella (Merck) Imelda Marcella (Merck) Farrell died peacefully with family by her side on March 1, 2015 in Citrus Heights, CA at the age of 80. Imelda was born on the family farm on July 12, 1934, to Anton and Josephine Merck of Karlsruhe, North Dakota. She graduated from St. Leo's Catholic High School in Minot, ND in 1952, then went on to St. Francis School of Nursing in Minot, ND where she graduated as an R.N. in 1955. In 1955, Imelda and her father helped pull an Air Force sergeant named James P. Farrell out of Lake Metigoshe, ND after he fell off a pier while fishing. They married in 1956 at St. Leo's Church in Minot, ND. Over the next five years, they welcomed five children into their lives. From 1956 to 1968, Jim and Imelda enjoyed many different homes as they moved with his U.S. Air Force career: Minot AFB, ND; Ulm, Germany; Cross City, FL; Denver, CO; Vandenberg AFB, CA; and Torrance, CA. The family finally settled permanently in Carmichael, CA in 1968. Though Imelda had practiced nursing in Minot, ND, and on a part-time basis in Lompoc, CA and Torrance, CA, it was at Mercy San Juan Hospital in Carmichael where she began her full-time nursing career in the emergency room - eventually as the Head nurse. She later went on to be Director of Nurses at Woodland Healthcare, Woodland, CA; and retired from the UC Davis Medical Center as a case manager in 1999. Imelda loved to sew, plant a garden, dance, collect cookbooks, and decorate her home beautifully for the holidays; but it is her talent as a cook for which she will be most fondly remembered. She flourished preparing meals for large family get-togethers. Her refrigerator was always stocked just in case one of her kids dropped by. Imelda also enjoyed traveling. Through the years, she made many trips around the country and to Europe and Asia visiting family members and having a ball with her dear friend Shirley. Imelda was a warm and loving mother and grandmother. Her laugh, vivacity, sense of style, and spunky personality will be greatly missed by her loved ones. Imelda is survived by her loving children: Brian of Paso Robles, CA, Theresa of Sloughhouse, CA, Michael of Gardnerville, NV, Jim of Sacramento, CA, and their spouses; beloved brother and sister-in-law Donavan and Pat Merck of Lodi, 11 grandchildren, three nephews, and five grand-nephews and nieces. She is also survived by ex-husband James of Citrus Heights, CA. She is preceded in death by her parents, son Timothy, and granddaughter Carmel. Imelda's family thanks Gabriela and her staff for the wonderful care they gave her at Homeville Care, Citrus Heights, CA. Those that knew and loved Imelda are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 215 West Walnut Street, Lodi, CA 95240 on Thursday, March 26, 2015, at 10 a.m. A reception will follow in the parish hall. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Imelda's life with the family. In lieu of flowers, please plant a flower in Imelda's memory and/or support Alzheimer's research when given the chance. See legacy.com for guest book.