COLETTE LEGRIS FARRELL
Colette Legris Farrell (“Coco”) passed away on Friday afternoon, May 26 in the company of family and her dear four-legged friend, Rosco. She left behind a family and friends who will cherish and miss her sense of humor, charm, deep love of life, and her art of conversation.
Colette grew up in Bourbonnais, Illinois, a FrenchCanadian community, and was the last of a family of nine children. Her father died when she was quite young.
Her mom, Evangeline, raised the family during the Depression, with her older brothers assuming their father’s responsibilities and working to help support the family. This experience gave her a sense of obligation and thrift which informed and shaped her life. She was part of the Greatest Generation.
After deciding not to enter the convent, Colette applied to St. Teresa’s College in Winona, Minnesota where she became a medical technologist. After graduating, she went to work for Dr. Alan Seifert in Chicago, work she thoroughly enjoyed. She loved telling stories about Dr. Seifert’s and his colleagues’ efforts to fight the scourge of polio.
Colette met her husband Bart at a Newman Club meeting in Chicago. She and some girl friends were living a rooming house; and Colette always loved to tell how Bart was so popular because he would bring cheese as a gift to Colette and her housemates when he visited.
Colette and Bart were married on February 4, 1950. They were very involved with Catholic social service; and their children remember them talking about working to improve conditions for renters on the South Side of Chicago.
Colette and Bart were loving partners but also strong individuals. They had separate political party affiliations throughout their marriage: Colette was the Democrat and Bart was the Republican.
Colette and Bart started a family in Berwyn, Illinois where they rented an apartment. With the help of Bart’s older brother, John, they bought their first home in Northbrook, Illinois, which was a great place to grow up. The kids have fond memories of fireflies, barbeques, and riding their bicycles in the neighborhood.
In 1960, Bart was offered a transfer to Oakland, California by Kaiser Aluminum. Colette was ready to go, but Bart was a little concerned about the opportunities for copy writers in California. Needless to say, they moved to California: a decision that Bart never regretted. He was so glad that he didn’t have to shovel snow anymore!
Colette and Bart made their home in Walnut Creek. They raised four children: Matt, Bart (Beej), Therese and Francise. They were active members of St. John Vianney Church; and were deeply engaged in their church community.
Coco (her family nickname) is survived by her four children; and six grandchildren: Brian Connolly, Caity Connolly, Dan Connolly, Connor Farrell, Stacey Farrell and Megan Worth; and three great grandchildren: Davin Connolly, Theo Kaegi and Josie Kaegi.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Saint Anne’s Catholic Church, 215 West Walnut Street, Lodi, on Friday, June 16, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends make donations to Hospice of San Joaquin at: www.hospicesj.org/ways-todonate or by mail to: Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Meadowood and Hospice staff who took such good care of Colette.
Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/guestbook.