Ethel Anne (Whelan) Farr

Ethel Anne “Mickie” Farr, 90, passed away peacefully at Westfield Gardens Nursing Home on September 20, 2021. Mickie was born on August 20, 1931 at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Dorchester, MA.  She was the oldest of four children of Joseph A. Whelan and Margaret Ethel (Crimmins) Whelan.  She graduated from North Quincy High School Class of 1949 and earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Boston University Class of 1953.  Mickie was hired by the Westfield Public Schools as a music educator (grades K-8) in 1953 and taught for four and a half years.  She briefly returned in the 1970’s as a full-time music substitute. Mickie met Don Farr, a young Franklin Elementary School teacher, at the Westfield YMCA and they were married in 1957.  They celebrated 50 years of marriage on June 22, 2007.  Their marriage was blest by four children and the house filled with much activity. Mickie was a faithful communicant of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish and taught religious education and directed the Children’s Choir for many years.  She served as Girl Scout Leader, Troop 427, at Mosley School.   Mickie loved playing the piano and bursting out into song at family gatherings and most recently at the nursing home.  She would say that music makes the world go ‘round.  She regularly swam in her later years at the “Y” with bathing cap in hand.   She learned to swim at Wollaston Beach and many family salt water memories were made whether on the Cape or down at Nantasket Beach.  Family trips with grandchildren to Great Sacandaga Lake in the Adirondacks reminded her of summers spent on Squam Lake in NH as waterfront staff at Camp Asquam. Mickie loved being around family and her outgoing exuberant personality brought smiles to all.  Her personality reflected the colors of the cut flowers in her garden. In addition to her husband Don, Mickie was pre-deceased by son, Joseph, and daughter Eileen Farr Quinn and her two brothers, George and Joseph Whelan. Survivors include her sister Mary Jane Butler (husband John) of Stamford, NY, sister-in-law Alice Whelan of Hull, MA, son, Matthew Farr (partner Carolyn Peet) of Ward, CO, daughter, Dianne (Farr) Wawrzusin (husband Mario) of Potomac, MD, grandson Dr. Peter Wawrzusin (wife Dr. Nicole Sakla), and grandson Daniel Wawrzusin (wife Melanie Lukas).  Aunt Ethel Anne “EA” is survived by many nieces and nephews who have fond memories of coming to Western Mass to visit the Farr household. The family would like to thank the staff of Westfield Gardens Nursing Home for their compassionate care for the past five years. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, September 26th from 2-5PM at Firtion Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA 01085.  A funeral mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 127 Holyoke Road, Westfield, MA on Monday, September 27th, at 11AM followed by burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Donations may be made to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, PO Box 489, Westfield, MA  01085.

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