Obituary of Martha A. Farrell

Martha Ann Boyce Farrell, 88, of Johnson City, formerly of Endicott, NY, passed away on May 5, 2024 at Mercy House surrounded by her family. She and her twin sister, Mary, were born September 9, 1935 in Sanford, Maine to John and Marcella Boyce. Her family, including her older sister Patricia, soon relocated back to Binghamton, NY. She met the love of her life, Paul A Farrell on a blind date when she was 15 years old. Three years later, they married. They were happily married for 63 years until Paul's passing in 2017. They always said they grew up and grew old together. They were blessed with 5 daughters who were the pride and joy of her life. She was always supporting them in their endeavors. No matter the path, she was their biggest cheerleader. She was thrilled as the family grew with grandchildren and then great grandchildren. "Grammie" loved to dote on them all. Having her family all together were her times of greatest joy. As Paul's career with IBM took him to different parts of the country (and later the world), she packed her bags and went along. Though at times thrown out of her comfort zone, she'd take a deep breath and soldier on. Martha was certified as a licensed practical nurse from Mercidian School of Practical Nursing in Scranton, PA. She concentrated her initial career in geriatric nursing. On a relocation to Edwards Air Force Base in California, Martha decided to take a sharp left turn in her career, left geriatric care and took a job at the California State Minimum Security Prison. Returning to the Binghamton area, she continued her nursing care at the Alcohol Crisis Center from which she retired. Her kindness and compassion allowed her patients to be seen and heard. Martha had a love of learning and frequently took adult education classes. She had a particular passion for social justice issues. She was actively involved for many years with the Tioga County Democratic Committee. Her Catholic faith was unwavering. She joined multiple committees, taught CCD and later became Co-director with Paul of RCIA at Our Lady of Good Council Church. She had a bubbly personality and was quick to make friends. She was beloved by those around her. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Jeffrey Sontag, Julie and James Valenti, Sheila and Martin Meaney, Marla and Larry Goyden, Dr Paula Farrell and Greg Passafiume; her grandchildren, Adam (MaryBeth) Sontag, Paul (Megan) Sontag, Jamie (David) Zochol, Jesse (Nichol) Valenti, Sean (Liz) Meaney, Mike (Caitlyn) Meaney, Tommy (MacKenzie) Meaney, Marissa (Alex) Jones, Meghan (Anthony) Pacheco, Lucas Goyden and Matthew (Carolyn) Goyden and 9 great grandchildren. Also surviving are her sister-in-law Maureen Muggeo and brother-in-law John MacBlane as well as close cousins and many beloved nieces and nephews. The family would like to send a special thank you to Dr John Perry for the many years of wonderful care he provided to both Martha and Paul. They would also like to thank Mercy House for the kindness and care they provide to Martha as well as her family. A Funeral Mass will be offered at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Endicott, NY on Saturday at 10:30 am. The mass will be live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@olgc endicott/streams. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Mercy House of the Southern Tier, the UHS Foundation or a charity of one's choice.