ASHBURNHAM - Elizabeth A. Yanelli-Farrell, 61 of 61 Willard Road, Ashburnham, died Wednesday, January 23, 2019 in the Health Alliance Leominster Campus, Leominster.
She was born in Hartford, CT, on October 28, 1957, the daughter of the late Bernard J. Yanelli and Marie (Maffucci) Yanelli.
Liz grew up in Rocky Hill Connecticut and graduated from Rocky Hill High School in 1975. She received her B.S. in Special Education from Lesley College in Cambridge and her Masters in Special Education from the University of New England.
She worked for 30 years in the Gardner School District, 10 years as a Learning Disabilities Evaluator and 20 years as a Special Education Teacher at Elm Street School, before retiring in 2017.
She was an active member of St. Denis Church in Ashburnham and was a member of three book groups. She enjoyed traveling, reading, quilting and spending time with her family. She continued living her life to the fullest even in her final weeks, and always brought great joy to all those she met.
She leaves her husband: Eugene J. Farrell, one daughter: Erin Heyl and her husband Spencer Heyl of Brighton, MA and one son: Glenn Farrell and his wife Molly Farrell of Newburyport, MA; one sister: Christine Yanelli of Old Saybrook, CT and two brothers: Bernard Yanelli of Bradenton, FL and Jay Yanelli of Lakewood, CA; and three granddaughters, Caela, Elyse, and Nieve, whom she adored.
She was predeceased by her son, Daniel Farrell.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, January 28, 2019 at 11:00 am in St. Denis Church, 85 Main Street, Ashburnham. Burial will be private at a later date.
Calling hours will be held Sunday, January 27, 2019 from 2 - 4 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in her memory to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215 (https://www.dana-farber.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/make-a-memorial-or-tribute-gift/) or to the Daniel J. Farrell Scholarship c/o Oakmont High School 9 Oakmont Drive, Ashburnham, MA 01430.
For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com.
Mack Family Funeral Home 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.