MT. UPTON – Amanda G. Farrell, 74, of Mt. Upton, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2007, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.
She was born July 12, 1932, the daughter of the late Millard and Frances Goldsmith, in Newton, N.J.
Mandy had a life-long interest in music, and was a gifted singer. As a teenager, she took voice lessons from Bernice Winne, who also taught voice at Carnegie Hall. In college, she was a member of the Cornell Women’s Glee Club, and was also active in Gilbert & Sullivan theater. She played Little Buttercup in the 1951 recorded campus production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore.” She also sang in the Cornell Chapel Choir, and in the Chancel Choir at the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca.
Later, Mandy served as the Choir Director at the United Methodist Church in Mt. Upton for approximately 20 years. Sunday services were filled with beautiful choral song, and the choir also performed several special concerts, including Christmas and Easter cantatas.
In the 1960s, Mandy played Lady Thiang to much acclaim in the Tri-Town Theatre production of “The King and I.”
Mandy attended Cornell University on a scholarship, and graduated with a B.S. in Home Economics in 1954. At Cornell, she was a sister in Pi Beta Phi (a sorority committed to excellence, growth, and learning), a member of the Ag-Domecon Council (student government), and a member of the Cornellaires (a co-ed singing ensemble).
Her mentors at Cornell encouraged her to pursue a career on Broadway, but she decided to start a family instead. In 1955, she, her husband, Robert Farrell, and a newborn moved to Mt. Upton to launch “Doc’s” veterinary practice. Mandy played an integral role in the development of the practice, and “Doc” came to rely on her uncanny ability to diagnose many animal problems over the phone. Although a city girl, she was a natural fit for the country life.
Mandy was very active in the local community, serving as a cub and girl scout leader, a Town of Guilford Planning Board member, and a volunteer teacher for Literacy Volunteers of America. In addition, she was active in the American Veterinary Association and NYS Veterinary Medical Association auxiliaries, and the Chenango County Cooperative Extension.
Arts and crafts were an important focus throughout her life, and she also enjoyed putting together treasure hunts for people of all ages.
Mandy was also an entrepreneur. In the ‘70’s, she and a partner started and ran A-Z Quality Farm Supply to serve the local dairy farming community. She later sold the business, and then worked as a proofreader at the Norwich Pennysaver.
Most important, Mandy was a wonderful Mom to four children, a loving grandmother and great-grandmother to nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and a close friend to many others. She was a warm and generous person who will be remembered for her everyday kindness, her grace and humility, her fun sense of humor, her musical gifts, and her deep faith in God and love of church. At the end of her life, she continued to greet everyone with a warm and comforting smile even though she was often not able to speak.
Mandy is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Daniel Farrell and Claude-Andree’ Louissaint of New York City, Michael and Amy Farrell of Sidney and Robert and Jacqueline Farrell of Middleburgh; a daughter, Mary Farrell of Mt. Upton and two sisters, Mary Struble and Margaret Hydorn. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, Sara Farrell, Matthew Farrell, Adam Farrell, Erica Farrell, Kathryn Farrell, Ashley Farrell, Hannah Farrell, Asta-Sollilja Farrell, Elianna Farrell, and Sophia Mulieri (great-granddaughter).
She was predeceased by her brother, Damian.
Last, but not least, she leaves behind Ralph (the cat) and Denali (the dog), her four-legged buddies and guardians.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St., Sidney. The family will be in attendance both evenings. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, at the United Methodist Church, Mt. Upton, with Pastor Paul Amara officiating. Interment will follow at the Maplewood Cemetery, Mt. Upton, weather permitting.
Memorial contributions should be made to the United Methodist Church, Mt. Upton, NY 13809. In lieu of flower arrangements, the family requests that donations be made directly to the church in Mandy’s name.