Vanessa Farrow
Passed: July 11, 2020
- Share:
Vanessa Farrow
Passed: July 11, 2020
Obituary
In loving memory of Vanessa Farrow, we are saddened to announce her passing on July 11th after an 11-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and more recently Breast Cancer. She is survived by her husband, Ralph Farrow Jr, two children, William Farrow and Wendy Martinez, a grandson, Joey Martinez, and a son-in-law, Joe Martinez. She was preceded in death by her parents, Florence Smith, and Rev William Smith.
Vanessa retired to Arizona with her husband 16 years ago. She had a passion for art all her life. After her AD diagnosis she participated in art engagement programs and classes at the Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Symphony, and Banner Alzheimer Institute until entering an assisted living home in June 2015. She also participated in a clinical trial for 5 years at Banner Alzheimer Institute.
Born in Syracuse, NY, Vanessa started public school in Syracuse, attended high school at Northfield School for Girls, and transferred to Pebble Hill School in Syracuse where she graduated as class valedictorian. She continued her art passion at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, particularly in fashion design, graduating with a BA. in 1959. She continued her art interest at Cornell University graduate school.
Vanessa taught art at middle schools in the Syracuse and Utica, NY area, and Andover MA. She met her future husband in Syracuse, and they were married by her father, a retired Dutch Reform Church minister. She then moved with her family to Andover, MA where she lived for 4 years, and then moved with her family to Portsmouth, RI where she lived for 32 years.
A visitation is scheduled for Saturday, July 18th, 2020 beginning at 9:00 AM at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 South Litchfield Road, in Goodyear, Arizona, that will lead into the funeral service. Burial services will be held on Tuesday, July 21st, 2020 at 10:00AM at West Resthaven Cemetery, 6290 West Northern Avenue in Glendale, Arizona.
7 responses to Vanessa Farrow
Robin says:
July 17, 2020
We are so sorry for your loss. Peace be with you.
Charlene Brissette says:
July 20, 2020
Sending love and prayers for Vanessa and her family.
May she rest in peace.
pat hopper says:
July 20, 2020
My Aunt Vanessa played such an important part in my life. She was a true artist and influenced me especially in pursuing my own art career. When I was a teen she showed me her fashion portfolio full of illustrations and drawings. That influenced my interest in creativity for my whole life.
Our love goes out to ralph and family. we are thinking of you all.
Nancy Smith says:
July 26, 2020
Although geographical distance separated me from Aunt Vanessa, I have never forgotten her brilliance as an artist viewed in awe through the eyes of a young girl and her unexpected and sharp (Australian-rooted) humor. At our last visit many years ago, she had my family and me roaring with laughter.
I followed from afar the sad development over the last years and am grateful she had such loving and devoted care.
Much love to Ralph, William and Wendy
Bradley & Nancy Brehmer says:
July 27, 2020
We are so sorry to lose Vanessa. We wish you well, Ralph. And send our condolences to daughter Wendy whom we met in 1999 in Phoenix. You had a beautiful family. Love from Nancy Toussaint Brehmer and her husband Bradley Brehmer.
Kathleen Liace says:
August 4, 2020
Sending our condolences to Ralph, William, and Wendy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. I have wonderful memories of my cousin Vanessa’s love and talent for art, and will always hold them dear in my heart.
Love,
Kathy & Gerry Liace