OBITUARY Cynthia Joy Farrell December 11, 1940 – October 20, 2018 Cynthia Joy Farrell died Saturday October 20th, 2018 unexpectedly after a courageous battle with kidney disease. Cynthia was born in Fall River, Massachusetts on December 11, 1940 to the late Manuel Vieira Jr. and Mary (Mayme) Martin Vieira. She was 77 years old.
Cynthia’s passion was teaching, a vocation she began in September 1960 in the parochial elementary schools of the Diocese of Sacramento California. Moving to Massachusetts in 1972 Cynthia joined the war on children’s poverty as Director of New Bedford’s Head Start/Day Care Programs at Fort Rodman. In the early 1980’s Cynthia joined New Bedford Public Schools as a Special Educator, retiring in 2006.
A committed Children’s Advocate, Cynthia always felt she was blessed to have taught generations of New Bedford’s children in our public schools. Cynthia graduated from Millikan High School, Long Beach, California. She earned her B.A. from Roger Williams College, and her M.Ed.
from Bridgewater State College. She earned additional certification in Early Childhood Education and Reading. Cynthia’s professional passion was Special Education, specifically, early intervention and support of children’s development.
As truly a part of her soul, in retirement Cynthia remained committed to advocating for children’s educational rights and the right of every child to grow up in our schools inspired to learn. Having worked first hand with the victims and families of child abuse and neglect throughout her career, Cynthia remained vigilant in her fight to see the end of this national heartbreak. She was a 1960’s pioneer and at times unpopular in her dedication to true equal rights for women.
Having herself endured the struggles of being a single parent, Cynthia knew that to truly protect children, women’s voices had to be raised and heard to bring safety and security to families. A member of Trinity Lutheran Church Fairhaven, Cynthia’s strength shone in her faith supporting ministry to those unable to attend services, Sheppard’s Pantry, Bible Study and Sunday School. Cynthia held in great esteem her volunteer work at St. Luke’s Hospital and that as a docent for patrons of the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
And, it is with the same grit and uncommon resilience Cynthia held closest to her heart her devotion to her role as matriarch of our family. Cynthia is survived by her sister Donna C. (Vieira) Chadwick of Clearwater, Florida. Her son Stephen and his wife Mary Farrell of Fairhaven, MA, their son Luke C. Farrell of New Bedford and his two children, Emma-Grace and Levi Farrell.
Her daughter Kristina and her husband Michael Dahlene of New Bedford, and their son Caleb Dahlene of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Her niece Darcy (Chadwick) Sheerin, her husband Jack Sheerin, and their children Trey, Cierra and Summer of Bridgewater, MA and her nephew James F. Chadwick III of Clearwater, Florida. A member of the Martin family of Westport and the Vieira family of New Bedford, Cynthia loved her many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.
Cynthia’s dedication to education was fulfilled as her last wish to make her remains an anatomical donation to Boston University Medical School was honored. To those who wish to make a remembrance to Cynthia’s memory, in lieu of flowers please make donations to Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairhaven, MA. Arrangements are in the care of ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Blvd.
, New Bedford, MA 02745. To leave a note of condolence: www.
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