Wanda Gayle Farrell
May 7, 1953 ~ July 20, 2009
Services:
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 24, 2009 at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, Chaptico, MD with Fr. Timothy Baer officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation:
The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 23, 2009 from 5:00 -8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, MD where prayers will be said at 7:00 PM.
Wanda Gayle Farrell, 56, of Leonardtown, MD died July 20, 2009 at her residence. Born May 7, 1953 in Leonardtown, MD she was the daughter of Mary Moonyeen Graves Vallandingham and the late Joseph Wilbur Vallandingham, Sr. She was the loving wife of Joseph Edward Farrell whom she married on May 1, 1976 in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Morganza, MD. She is survived by her siblings Mary Lisa Estevez, William Earl Vallandingham, Joseph Wilbur Vallandingham, Jr. and Dana M. Russell all of Clements, MD, as well as five nieces, six nephews and two great nephews. Wanda was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County and taught Math and Science classes at Leonardtown Middle School for 34 years. She attended Towson State University, MD, Spalding College, KY and received her Master’s Degree in Education from George Washington University, DC. Wanda was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and was devoted to education and often spent her spare time tutoring the youth as well as reading, card making, playing cards, puzzles and spending time with her loving family. The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 23, 2009 from 5:00 until 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel Leonardtown, MD, where prayers will be said at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 24, 2009 at 10:00am in Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, Chaptico, MD with Fr. Timothy Baer officiating. Interment will follow in Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, MD. Pallbearers will be John Joy, Patrick Russell, William Russell, Bobby Vallandingham, David Vallandingham and Mark Allshouse. Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, PO Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 and or the St. Mary’s County Public Schools Shoes Fund, Attn: Student Services, 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650.
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“Mrs.Vallandingham and all the family, We are so sorry to hear about Wanda. We will keep you all in our prayers that you might find comfort knowing she is at peace and with her father. If we can be of any help, please let us know. “
“Dana and Family, Sincere condolences on Wanda’s passing. We will keep you in our prayers. Remember, God always takes the BEST. Earl & Lynn”
“Sincere condolences on Mrs. Farrell’s passing. I had Mrs. Farrell as a teacher nearly 20 years ago. I can still remember her smile and kindness. My thoughts and prayers are with are with you all.”
“Dana and family…. We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.”
“Joe and Family- It was such a wonderful experience to work with Wanda all of those years at LMS. She always had a kind word and a smile for everyone. I know you have many wonderful memories of your years together. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.”
“My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God’s hand rest upon you and heal your pain.”
“Wanda will be missed. Please know the family is in my thoughts and prayers.(Fellow teacher at LMS)”
“Joe, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God watch over you and your family through these trying times. Please remember Wanda had a gift and she shared it with the world! I am so blessed for having known her and will always remember her. She was an avid reader, Oriole fan, cook and educator! Heaven has now one special person to watch over. She will be missed. Hugs, Dee & Brendan Wolfe”
“My deepest condolences to Mrs. Farrell’s family and friends. “
“Joe,The Vallandingham family. Jeff & I extend our sincere condolences to each one of you on the loss of Wanda. Her fight, her spirit were truly an example to all of us. May God Bless. Our Prayers are with You.”
“Dana, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. “
” Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time..”
“Joe and my second family, the Vallandinghams-My love, thoughts,and prayers are with you now and forever. Wanda was truly a wonderful and remarkable person who touched so many lives. She will always be my best friend and will never be forgotten.”
“Sincere condolences on Wanda’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.”
“Joe and Family…Heaven has gained an Execeptional and Very Special Angel. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.”
“Sue and I wish to entend our sincere condolences upon the death of a friend. She will be remembered as a wonderful and caring person and teacher. Mike McLuckie”
“Dear Joe and Family, Please know that Wanda touched my life wonderfully at Leonardtown Middle School. As a mentor those first years, she demonstrated such a love and dedication to her profession. Wanda gave of her time to my many questions and answered them with candor and kindness. Later, as a fellow colleague, I so appreciated her committment to children and her many hours discussing methodology and pedagogy. We graded papers together and talked and talked and talked. As a friend, I took notice of Wanda’s keen listening and sharing. Many a night Wanda and I, alongwith perhaps another colleague, would enjoy a dinner and just chat about school and life. Wanda valued her friends, and she made them feel special. I will miss her greatly. Joe and Family, know that my husband and I will be praying for you in these next days, weeks, and months. “
“Mrs. Vallandingham, Lisa, Dana, I am sorry for your sisters passing. May God Bless you in your time of sorrow. The angels are watching over her.”
“Your family means so much to ours. You’re going down a rough road with your loss. You know that if you need any of us, we’re there for you. God bless.”
“Mary, Dana and family you are all in our thoughts and prayers. She is out of pain and at peace now. “
“So sorry to hear of Wanda’s death. Cancer has taken so many loved ones away from us. Know that we all are praying for you. “
“Joe and family, my deepest sympathy in your loss. Wanda was such a kind-hearted person who was dedicated to her family and the children at LMS. I worked with Wanda for over 20 years and she taught both of my children. Her ability to teach math was phenomenal. She had the patience of Job with each and every student. You could always tell Wanda’s gorgeous handwriting on her cards she bestowed upon her friends. Her life here on earth is over, but God has gained a true angel who will smile down upon us all. She will be missed by all of us whose lives she touched.”
“Sincere condolences to Mrs. Farrell’s family. She was my math teacher at LMS and she was always so kind. My prayers to you all.”
“Mrs. Farrell was my teacher in middle school. She was a wonderful teacher and such a nice person. She was always very kind to me. I am so sorry for your loss. “
“We would like to extend our deepest Sympathy to the entire family. May it comfort you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during your loss. “
“Dana, We are extremely saddened by the passing of your sister Wanda. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. WE LOVE YOU SIS !!”
“We got to know Wanda when she came in for her lunch each day. She always greeted us with a smile and kind words. You all have our sincere condolences.”
“I am deeply sorry to hear of Mrs. Farrell’s passing away. I was a student of her’s for years, and even when I wasn’t she went out of her way and stayed many late hours to help me along. I used to joke as I got older that she is the only reason I can add 2 + 2 to this day! In all honesty she was a fantastic person with a huge heart and a woman that I greatly admired. I am saddened to hear of her passing, but I know what a great person God has gained in Heaven! Thank you for everything you did for me Mrs. Farrell!”
“My heart abd prayers are with all of you who loved and cherished Wanda. Whenever I think of her, I’ll remember her kind, tender demeanor and beautiful smile. Your family is so very special to us and we hurt with you.”
“We have lost a very, very special person. She was always ready to help. Wanda loved to send cards and greetings to those who were home bound or suffering in some way. Our prayers are with her family at this time. “
“Mary & Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
“Joe, Mrs. Vallandingham, Dana, and entire Vallandingham family — I am so sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing. She was a wonderful woman full of life always smiling and full of hugs. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.”
“To the Farrell Family: Mrs. Farrell was a wonderful lady that took pride in her work to help the children of LMS get a great education! She was my eldest sons favorite teacher when he attended LMS! He & all of us will miss her very much! She is in God’s hands know looking down on all who knew her! God bless! Shirley Trossbach & Children”
“Sorry to hear of Mrs.Farrell’s passing she will be missed. I enjoyed her as a teacher at LMS, she was a great teacher. I will keep her family in my prayers at this hard time.”
“Aunt Mary and family, We are sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing. Our thoughts are prayers are with you all. She was a wonderful & caring person.”
“Joe & family, Wanda was a very kind and loving teacher. She will be missed by all. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.”
“Joe and family, we are sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing. She was a wonderful & caring lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
“May this angel fly in peace with the angels in heaven…My sincerest condolences…”
“Our family is all saddened to hear of this. Wanda and all of you have for so long been so very close to our hearts. Please accept our prayers for Wanda and all of her family during this time. Our love, David and Ter “
“Dana, Lisa and the entire family, My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. You are a wonderful family and have many people praying for you.”
“”Joe and Family”, we are so sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing. Billy and I extend our sincere condolences. God will watch over you and help you through this sad and difficult time.”
“The Vallandingham family, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. You all are so very near and dear to our hearts, if there is anything we can do, please do not hesitate to call. We will not ever forget how wonderful you all have been in our hard times. You are most truly a very special family. You have a very special angel, Wanda, looking out for you all. Our love, Bonnie and Randy and all of the Thompson family!!”
“Mrs. Farrell was a wondeful teacher and touched the lives of many children in a positive way! My condolences go out to her friends and family and I hope God will watch over you and give you strength during this difficult time.”
“Dana & family- May fond memories of time spent together carry you and your family through this difficult time. Wanda made a difference in the lives of her students- and their families.”
“Dear Mrs. Vallandingham, Dana, Joe, Billy, Lisa & family — We are so sad to hear of the passing of Wanda. I remember Wanda from years ago when I would come spend weekends “on the farm” with Lisa and she definitely was a very sweet, wonderful person. You all can be assured Wanda is an Angel in Heaven looking down on you all with a smile. It is so hard to lose a sibling but cherish those memmories and may each day get easier knowing you have family and friends who care. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you all! “
“Mr. Farrell, I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Farrell was my math teacher in 6th and 7th grade. She was such a kind hearted woman. She always tried different ways to get me to understand. I was very sad when I saw this. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!”
“My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. God bless.”
“We are so sad to learn of Wanda’s passing. We have been close friends for many years and our heartfelt sympathy to all of the family. Our love and prayers are with you.”
“”Joe and Family-Wanda will be missed by all whom she touched. I will miss her smile, laughter, and the beautiful cards with words of encouragement and prayers that she sent to me at the start of each school year. May the memories of the joy and happiness you shared sustain and comfort you. God Bless you all.” “
“Our deepest sympathy to all the family. May she rest in peace. We shall keep you in our thoughts and prayers.”
“May God belss each and every one in this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Valandingham Family.”
“Dearest Dana & Family, I was very sorry to learn of the loss of your wonderful sister. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Wanda but it sounds as if she was a wonderful person. May GOD hold each of you in the palm of his hand and bring you peace.”
“Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. No words can express the sympathy that we feel. Wanda is no longer suffering but is with God in a better place. Hold the wonderful memories of her close as she will always be with you. We offer our support to you in any way needed and will never forget your love and kindness to our family over the years. God bless you all.”
“Joe and family.. I am so sadden to hear of Mrs. Farrell’s passing. She was a great math teacher and she taught me all I know and when I struggled she would stay after to help me. Even when she saw me outside of school she would always complemnt me on the way I dress. I will always rememeber that. Again I am so sorry for Mrs. Farrell’s passing and my thoughts and prayers are with the family. “
“Dana, Joe, and family- Our community has lost a masterful teacher and faithful friend. Wanda’s compassion and dedication made her an outstanding person with whom to work. Outside of school, some of my favorite memories are those “card parties” we had that provided great food and laughter. My prayers are with you.”
“Dana and Family, Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. YOU MEAN SO MUCH TO US DANA. We are so sorry for the loss of Wanda. I hope you know there are many people praying for you and your family. We will be there for you. WE LOVE YOU MY FRIEND. YOUR PROBLEM CHILDREN”
“Joe and family, our deepest condolences…Wanda was a sincere, supportive friend who exemplified the love of family, learning and sharing. She is missed by all.”
“Dear Joe and Family, I was truly touched by reading these wonderful and caring notes from family and friends, and especially, students and colleagues, but not at all surprised. Wanda was a people person. She loved to listen and talk! I had the good fortune to be a fellow teacher with her. As our rooms were right next to each other, we’d spend many hours after school, talking and often laughing about the day’s events. Wanda had so much to offer about everything – talking about ways to help her students and even, how to help the Orioles! She’d often tell about her trips with Joe and how much she enjoyed them. Who could ever forget Wanda’s beautiful cards. Whenever I saw that perfect cursive writing, I knew I was in for a treat. I know she missed teaching, but she found a way to keep in it with her tutoring. She was just amazing. We all will deeply miss our friend. “
“Dana..My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.”
“Although it’s been a few years since I last saw Wanda, I’ll never forget the fun we had together as teachers at Leonardtown Middle. What a delightful woman she was. Take care of yourself Joe, and my prayers are with you.”
“Dana, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family for the loss of your sister Wanda. “
“Mrs. Farrell was my 6th grade Math teacher at LMS. She was a wonderful lady who cared deeply about her students and took great effort in helping them. I was very sad to hear of her passing. Her family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. “
“My prayers and condolences go out to Mrs. Farrell’s family. She was also my 6th grade teacher at LMS. She was a very good and fun teacher. I remember she would always let me pass out the papers! Mrs. Farrell will be missed by many.”
“Dana and family, I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Wanda Gayle, but DO know Dana, and know now that there is an angel in heaven looking over us – and an angel on earth still here with us. My thoughts are with you and your family. “
“Dana, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Hugs, Audrey”
“We love you and you will be missed through the communtiy”