Lorene P. Farrell
Long time Polson resident Lorene P. Farrell passed away on May 28, 2009 at her home in
Polson, while surrounded by members of her loving family. Lorene was born February 9, 1915 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Fred William Steese Jr. and Ethel (Miller) Steese. When Lorene was 2 years old, her mother relocated the family to Polson following the accidental death of Lorene’s father.
Lorene attended grade and high school in Polson, graduating in 1933. Following high school she worked for Doctor P.C. Noble and during this period sang in many local choir groups. On August 8, 1940, she married Thomas A. Farrell, a high school classmate, in Polson. The couple lived at Kerr Dam, where Tom was employed, until 1942 when Tom enlisted in the U.S. Army. During the time her husband was overseas in the Philippines, she lived with her uncle, Claude Miller in Los Angeles, CA where her first son was born.
At the conclusion of WW II, Lorene and Tom returned to Kerr Dam where Tom was once again employed. Lorene went to work for Dr. Tanglen in Polson. She continued singing in Polson city choirs and sang in the summer Show Boat productions.
In 1964, Lorene went to work for Sheneman’s Clothing Store (First Resort) on Main Street in Polson. She continued working there until the early 1980’s when she retired.
Lorene has been an active member of the Polson Christian Church since the 1920’s sang in the church choir and participated in numerous church activities. She also did volunteer work at the Polson Country Store. She loved working in her garden, cultivating beautiful roses and caring for all of her cats.
Husband Tom preceded Lorene in death in 1985. She is survived by brother Harold Steese of San Diego, CA; sister Winifred Scott of San Lorenzo, CA; sons Thomas J. Farrell (Dianne) of Polson; Richard L. Farrell (Sharon) of Boise, and daughter Carol Jo Farrell of Polson. Four grandsons and four great grand children also survive her. She was a dedicated and nurturing mother, who was very proud of her family and received an abundance of blessings in return.
In lieu of flowers, memorials on behalf of Lorene may be made to the Heritage of Faith Christian Church (John Payne, pastor), the Polson Humane Society or the Polson Senior Citizens Center. A memorial service for Lorene will be held at the Heritage of Faith Christian Church on June 13, 2009 at 11:00 AM. Condolences to the family www.groganfuneralhome.com.
So many wonderful thoughts of beautiful Lorene. My heartfelt condolences to all of the Farrells.
Carol Jo and family,
So sorry to read about your Mom. She had a long and wonderful life. You can be happy that she was a beautiful women. I know you will miss her, but she is now in heaven looking over you. Blessings and love, Buttons
Carol my condolences to your family. We love your mom. She watched over us and kids everyday when we lived next door. We have many great memories with your mom. We are so lucky that we got to know her. Take care.
Mrs. Farrell had always been such a warm and loving neighbor. My brothers and sister and I grew up with her just down the street and she has always felt like an extended part of our family. She had a larger part than she knows in my childhood and upbringing and she will always share a place in my heart and memory. I am truly blessed to have known her. My condolences to Carol, Tom and Dianne, and Jed and Reed. She was such an awesome lady.
Tom…I remember your Mother from Sheneman’s very well. She was such a kind person and a joy to visit with. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Love,
Carl & Annette Skabronski
What a great lady…and I mean a perfect LADY! I saw her in Safeway the last time I was in Polson and when I said hello and told her who I was, she said, ” Of course! Marcia you’ve always looked just like your mother!” We chatted about the family, on both sides and we bid adieu. She was always a kind, helpful person and Polson will miss her dearly. God bless and condolences to the family.
Carol,
Sorry for you loss, I’ve know your mother since we ran the Jette Store, such a sweet lady and always a pleasure to visit with.
Farrells…….
What a wonderful “Lady” your mom was……such a grand legacy of a caring for both family and community. We will all miss her spirit and kind support! God Bless you all!!
Amy (Nelson) Knutson
Please accept our condolences at the loss of Lorene. She was one of the earliest donors to the Miracle of America Museum and those items are seen and appreciated daily.
What a gorgeous LADY your mom was…She didn’t forget names and always took the time to visit. Polson will miss the elegent, awesome person that you were lucky enough to have as a mom…You will be in my prayers for healing of your hearts and that you will be able to remember the healthier, good times.
Ginny Nelson Fuqua
I met Lorene in 2008 While visiting her friend my Aunt Eileen Reed of Polson. Lorene touched my heat instantly. What a sweety. Will never forget her. I am sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Robyn Davis
I send my condolances to you in the loss of your Mother. I remember her as such a compassionate and caring person.
Lorna (Forman) Fox
Carol, we were so sorry to hear about your mom. She sure was one of the best neighbors ever! I still have the baby food jars wshe gave me. That was when one of her cats had to eat soft food. Still have beads in them. She had a long and good life. I’ll certainly hold a glass of wine up to her! Will not be able to make the remembrance on Saturday, but we’ll remember.
Love,
donna and pete
Dear Carol,
Our thoughts have been with you these past couple of weeks. We are so sorry for your loss. We hope your memories and of course your friends bring you comfort. Jenny and Janele
Pauline and I send our deepest sympathy on your sweet mothers passing. Your friend Pete Howell
Tom, Rick and Carol: Our thoughts are with you on the loss of your mother. We are so glad she was able to join the “ladies” lunch at the Kwatuknut when Jo was last in Polson. Your mother was a warm, gracious person and so much a part of the heart of Polson.
Jo Pugh, Mary Jo Pugh, Betty (Pugh) Wiese
Tom, Ricky, and Carol,
I just became aware of your mother’s passing. Time passes, and many wonderul people pass with it. Your mother was among the finest of those. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
I just found out about your mother’s passing. What a great lady. I love her picture here. One of my favorite memories of “Evelyn” was of her doing an impression of Lily Tomlin’s Ernestine. She sounded and looked just like her!
Love to you all,
Kitty