Patricia
Ann Reilly Farnham, of Burlington, died peacefully on June 11, 2025,
surrounded by loved ones.
Pat
was born in Teaneck, N.J., on February 25, 1936, to Edward D. and
Irene (Hickey) Reilly. She grew up in Allston, Mass., and attended
Saint Anthony of Padua Elementary and Saint Columbkille High School
in Brighton. She later took classes at Boston University.
Pat
worked several jobs in her career as an administrative assistant and
receptionist. She was working at WBZ Boston when she met John “Jack”
Farnham who had recently returned from Korea, had attended Tufts
University School of Dental Medicine, and was a resident at
Massachusetts General Hospital. They married on August 10, 1957.
Eventually they moved to Jack’s home state of Vermont where he
began his lengthy practice as an oral surgeon.
Pat
and Jack raised four sons in a very rural setting at the time, on the
east end of the sandbar in Milton. Pat was the consummate devoted
mother and wife and was patient and supportive as Jack and the boys
pursued their hunting, fishing, sports, and other passions and
pastimes. She was also Jack’s partner as they invested in local
real estate over the years. Pat was a voracious reader and loved
Broadway musicals. She was a wonderful cook and baker and welcomed
myriad guests over the years. Pat cultivated many friendships with
people both near and far and was always known for her sense of humor,
positive outlook on life and considerable generosity.
Pat
was predeceased by her parents; Jack; Jack’s parents, Charles and
Mary; and her sisters, Marilyn Guilmet and Kathleen Reardon.
Pat
is survived by her sister Elizabeth Dugan (Owen) and brother David
Reilly (Bonnie; her four sons, Jonathan of Burlington, Joseph (Manon)
of South Hero, Daniel (Jill), of Swanton and Matthew (Apryl) of Grand
Isle. Pat was a devoted and loving Nanny to grandsons Christopher,
William J., and William A.; granddaughters, Lillian, Olivia
(Michael), Madeline, Sarah and Lucy; and great-granddaughters, Bobbi
and Ricki.
At
Pat’s request there will be no calling hours. A mass of Christian
burial will be celebrated at Christ the King Church, 136 Locust
Street in Burlington, on July 3, 2025, at 1 p.m. Interment will be
private at a later date at the convenience of the family, at
Resurrection Park in South Burlington.
In
lieu of flowers, contributions may be to Christ the King Church, 136
Locust St., Burlington, VT 05401, the North End Food Pantry, 1416
North Ave., Burlington VT, 05408 or a charity of choice.
Arrangements
are by Stephen C. Gregory and Son Cremation Services of South
Burlington.