Obituary

Just shy of her 99th birthday, Shirley Farish, lovingly known as “Gap” had her Heavenly Homecoming on August 17. Born and raised in Butler, PA, Shirley was not only well rounded, but also well loved. After serving in the US Coast Guard during WWII, she met the love of her life, John Nelson Farish, marrying him in 1947 and relocating to Richmond, Virginia, where they soon welcomed a baby girl, Ann. Shirley was a devout Christian and a devoted, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was as crafty as they come and always intrigued by anything miniature. She was a teddy bear maker & collector, as well as a doll house enthusiast, who made tiny dollhouse furnishings of all kinds. Her handcrafted Christmas trees and Santa’s will be treasured by all those fortunate to have acquired one. She had a refined palate for all things lemon and loved every shade of the color purple. Shirley was a member of Beulah United Methodist Church, The Mary E. Farmer Circle, teddy bear clubs, miniature clubs, and the Meadowbrook Women’s Club. She was a valued customer of QVC, who loved to share her one-of-a-kind purchases with all her family and friends. Introduced to an iPad in her late 80’s and enjoying it up until the week that she passed, she mastered ancestory.com and even reunited with family across the country. She was a whiz with Pinterest and an avid Solitaire, Scrabble and Words with Friends adversary up until the end. Although she resided seaside in VA Beach, our Gap was still able to enjoy everything that was going on in Richmond through the wonder of FaceTime. She loved being part of home renovation progress, impromptu vegetable and flower garden tours and many chihuahua and kitten birthday parties, all via FaceTime. She was adored by all who met her, especially by her family who put her on a well-deserved pedestal. She was a wonderful matriarch and friend and will be missed by everyone whose path she crossed. Leaving behind to cherish her memory are her daughter, Ann Worrell (Howie), Granddaughters, Ashley Mackey, Lynsey Cutillo (Jeff), Whitney Woodruff (Danny) and great grandson, Evan Mackey. We are so grateful for the abundant memories of our sweet Gap that we know will last a lifetime.  There will be a celebration of life reception in November, and we look forward to sharing these memories with family and friends at that time. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Beulah United Methodist Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Thank you all for loving Gap as much as we do.