Obituary of Shirley Farrah

Mary “Shirley” Farrah of Windsor Street, Saint John, NB, and recently a resident of the Carleton-Kirk Lodge Nursing Home, died on February 13, 2023, after a lengthy illness.

Shirley was born on May 10, 1927, in Chatham (Miramichi), NB.  She was daughter of Thomas Martin Fitzpatrick and Adeline Margaret Murphy.  Shirley attended St. Michael’s Academy in Chatham and graduated as the highest achieving student in her business program.  On February 16, 1949, Shirley married the love of her life, Abraham Joseph Farrah, at St. Michael’s Basilica in Chatham.  Together, they raised a family of eight children at first in their home community of Chatham and later in Saint John following a permanent relocation in 1961.

Shirley was completely dedicated to her family; her husband and children were her priority throughout her lifetime.  Shirley had a varied career in office administration, working at a law office, insurance company and a transportation company.  Early in her retirement, Shirley volunteered with charitable and community organizations.  She enjoyed movies, music, singing and dancing, bowling, and playing cards.  Shirley was very accomplished at sewing often making clothing for her children or donating clothing to charity.   For several years, she won first place ribbons for the beautiful costumes she created for Loyalist Days pageants.  Shirley also enjoyed playing the ukulele with the Ukes 4U group from the Saint John West Branch Library.

Shirley is survived by seven children:  David, Michael (Judy), Brian (Judy), Kim (Beth), Paul (Mary-Jane), Lisa, and Valerie (Bob); ten grandchildren, Torre and Elena Farrah, Matthew, Katherine and Meaghan Farrah, Chas, Michael and Colleen Judge, and Chris and Gabrielle Farrah; five great grandchildren: Maggie Farrah, Spencer Johnson, Rory Newman, Kaia Sarno and Chloe Judge; two siblings:  brother Jack (Betty) and sister, Dana (Vaughn), along with several nieces and nephews.   Shirley is also survived by her cherished and devoted companion of many years, Charlie Ball.

Shirley was predeceased by her infant son, Gregory, in 1959, her husband, Abraham, in 1990, after 41 years of marriage; her brother, Vincent and his wife, Joyce.

Resting at Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave. Saint John, N.B. (634 1701). A visitation for Shirley be held on Friday, February 17, 2023, from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church (360 Dufferin Row, Saint John) with internment following at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations in Shirley’s memory can be made to the Assumption Church, Carleton Kirk Nursing Home, or charity of your choice. The family has provided the opportunity for those unable to attend the service to participate via livestreaming. To access the livestream, or to make online condolences, please visit www. Castlefh.ca