November 21, 2017
Farnsworth, Christine
Christine M. Farnsworth, age 85, a longtime resident of Westwood, MA, died on November 19, following a period of declining health. Predeceased by her parents Earle G. and Christine Farnsworth of Wellesley Hills, MA and Damariscotta, Maine, she is survived by her longtime partner, Patricia J. Clarke, nieces and nephews.
Ms. Farnsworth spent her early years in and around Wellesley, MA where she attended the Brown School, Chapel Hill and Wellesley Senior High School. She attended Edgewood Park College of Briarcliff, NY, Boston University, and Northeastern University.
After College she joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Her military duties at the time of the Korean Conflict involved working in the JAG office in North Carolina, as well as in Hawaii, prior to its statehood. Upon her discharge from military service, she returned to Massachusetts where she worked for many years in an administrative capacity in industry at Langmaids Employment Service, Brigham’s Dorothy Muriels, Hewlett-Packard, and the Jarrell Ash Division of Fisher Scientific.
Deciding to advance her career and interests, Ms. Farnsworth pursued advanced degrees in education from Curry College and Suffolk University. She taught one year in Dorchester High School followed by more than 30 years at Watertown High School. Teaching various subjects, she particularly enjoyed her involvement with the Distributive Education Program during which time she would often travel with her students to various competition events. She was devoted to her students some of whom she remains in touch with these many years later.
From an early age, Ms. Farnsworth loved adventure beginning with travel out of the country on several occasions with her father in his capacity as an executive in the wool industry. One perk to her teaching occupation was the freedom to travel during the summer months, travel that took her to such places such as India, Africa, and Europe. Trips in her motor home allowed travel in the states and Canada with her beloved pets on board.
Other interests over her lifetime included memberships in the Massachusetts Teachers Association, Massachusetts Audubon Society, National Geographic Society, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the American Legion, RVing Women, and numerous wildlife organizations.
Christine would be the first to tell you that it was a life well lived and certainly not long enough. There was much more to see and do and many more adventures to experience. She was a strong, opinionated, in-charge person. Chris had many friends over her years and was a great lover of animals. She was quick to offer advice on most any subject, but if you were an animal lover, and she was never without one or two of her own, she was a great source of information.
Friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High Street, WESTWOOD, MA on Sunday, November 26th, from 4-7 PM. Funeral Services will be held on Monday November 27th, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 59 Court Street, Dedham, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Dedham facility of the Animal Rescue League, 55 Anna’s Place, Dedham, MA 02026.
Comments(11)
We are so sorry for your loss. Chris was a wonderful person. Pat, you were a great comfort to her and it will take awhile to recover. Know we are with you in our thoughts. Sorry we can’t be with you in this time.
Beautiful tribute for a woman who was so educated and traveled. This truly captures the essence of Chris.
so sorry Par
My most sincere condolences to Pat and all of Chris’s family and friends.
Chris was a wonderful kindhearted lady, and such a privilege to know and be with.
We enjoyed many great times in our Ladies luncheon, our Oriole’s group, with also her dedicated loving partner Pat.
She will be sadly missed. Rest my friend in our Lord’s arms where you be in complete peace and love.
Marion
So sorry for your loss Pat it was a pleasure knowing you both when you spent winters at Carefree. Chris was a real lady and we know she will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.
We have many memories of good times with Chris and Pat. Those memories will always be cherished and we will miss Chris. Lima and Mindy from Indianapolis
We have many memories of wonderful times with Chris and Pat. Those memories will always be cherished and we will miss Chris very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Pat. LIMA and Mindy from Indianapolis
We have wonderful memories of fun times with Chris and Pat. Those memories will always be cherished. We will miss Chris. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Pat at this most difficult time. Mindy Burcham and Lima Olsen, Indianapolis
A very beautiful tribute to Chris. We are humbled and honored to have known her as a friend; cousin and wonderful woman. She will be dearly missed.
Love,
Cousins Mary and Alan
Sorry for your loss Pat.. Chris is a fun person to be around .. always friendly.. My thoughts and prayers are with you Pat.. Will miss her at the Oriole’s luncheons,,,
Dear Pat, We were so sorry to hear from Marjorie and Cathy of the loss of your loving partner Chris. We met you many years ago when we lived in Stoughton and enjoyed our time with you both at Oriole events. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in your grief~~the tribute and picture were lovely. Bonnie Engelhardt & Susan Graesser, Orleans, MA