Mary (Jan) Farrell

Mary Jeanette (Jan) Farrell died peacefully at her home on June 8, 2020, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family.

Jan was born on May 11, 1941, the third daughter of twelve children born to Phil and Kay (Wieck) Carraher. She married Donald Farrell on June 3, 1961, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Delmar, IA.

Describing Jan isn’t an easy task. Her interests and priorities were wide-ranging. Faith and family were uppermost in her heart and mind. Jan’s life revolved around doing for others, starting with those she loved, but including many others along the way. One of her special joys and gifts was providing wonderful home-cooked meals and food for anyone who walked through her door.

Jan loved spending time with her best friend and sister, Phyllis; one lied and the other would swear to it! They spent many hours talking about nothing and loved eating at Pizza Ranch and Burger King. Some of Jan’s favorite pastimes included playing cards, collecting recipes and finding bargains. Doubling a coupon only added to this last joy!

The story of Jan’s life would be far from complete without the chapter about her work at Springbrook Country Club in Dewitt, spanning 26 years. Her work at Springbrook was another passion in her life. She waited eagerly each spring for the re-opening and happily committed to working every day and hour that she was needed. She cherished the friends she made there; staff, board members and club members; and they returned her love and affection. To say that Jan went above and beyond in her work would be an understatement. When her normal duties were completed, she’d fill any spare moment with extra cleaning and organizing.

Each of us who knew Jan are grieving today but, even more so, feeling blessed and privileged to have been even a small part of the life of this remarkable, loving, selfless and incredibly humble lady.

Jan is survived by her children, Richard, Robin (Rick) Schaefer and Raymond; grandchildren, Abby (Terry) Carter, Brandon Farrell, Eliott, Annie and Grant Schaefer and Megan Hauan; and one great-grandson, Donald Carter. Jan is also survived by eight sisters, two brothers, and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don and daughter, Rosanne.

Graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 13th at 11:30 am, at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Delmar.

Visitation will take place on Friday, June 12th from 4 pm – 7 pm at Dawson Funeral Home in Maquoketa.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to the Delmar Volunteer Fire Department or Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Delmar.

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