Mary Elizabeth Farrell

Born on December 31, 1932, in Washington, D.C., to the late Mary Genau Hamill and Russell Edward Hamill, Betty grew up with a deep sense of faith, family, and community that shaped her life and the lives of all who knew her. She married the love of her life, the late James J. Farrell, and together they built a beautiful family, raising six children in a home filled with warmth, love, and laughter.

Betty was a devoted mother to Sharon F. Shaw; the late James J. Farrell (Debbie); Colleen Robine (Matt); Erin Pettenati (Jeff); Kathleen Anselmo; and the late Mary Elizabeth Bolton (Gilbert). She was endlessly proud of her 17 grandchildren and delighted in the joy of watching her family grow to include 25 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. Among them, she held a special place in her heart for her great-granddaughter, Louisa C. Pettenati, who predeceased her.

Known for her kindness and sense of humor, she touched countless lives with her generosity of spirit and unwavering love. Whether gathering her family around the dinner table, sharing her wisdom, or offering a gentle hand of support, she left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.   Betty was always a great athlete and played on sports teams from early days at St. Anthony’s until her retirement from the City of Rockville in 1988 where she worked as the Secretary to the Director of Parks and Recreation after her ‘stay at home’ mom days were over.

Her legacy lives on in the strong, loving family she built and the values she instilled: faith, perseverance, and unconditional love.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Olney, MD, Wednesday, Sept 3rd, 2025 @ 10 a.m.  Internment to follow at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Silver Spring, MD.