Geraldine Marie Farley (née Dempsey)

On the fifth anniversary of her passing, we remember and celebrate the remarkable life of Geraldine Marie Farley — a woman of strength, grace, and unwavering love.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on April 28, 1924, to Irene McGovern and John Dempsey, Geraldine embodied the heart and soul of her generation: spirited, honest, and full of quiet courage. During World War II, she worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, proudly contributing to the nation's efforts at a time when bravery was not a choice, but a calling.

It was in Brooklyn that she met her soulmate, Joseph John Farley, in the 8th grade. Their love story spanned more than 70 years after they married on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1943. Together, they built a beautiful life across the country — from Pasadena, California, to Bethesda, Maryland, and eventually settled in Stamford, Connecticut in 1965.

Wherever she lived, Geraldine cultivated friendships that lasted a lifetime. She was deeply involved in her community through the Suburbanites and Women’s Club, where she chaired both the Scholarship and Entertainment Committees. Geraldine and Joe were committed members of the Parish of St. Leo in Stamford, Connecticut, where Joe served as Deacon for over thirty years.  Many fond memories were made at the Stamford Yacht Club and in the warmth of friendships kept close from Brooklyn and Maryland.

Known for her clarity and candor, Geraldine was never one to shy away from giving a straight answer or offering honest, constructive guidance. Her courage showed in every stage of her life — whether moving across the country with young children, supporting her husband’s career at IBM, or standing firm in her values.

Geraldine passed peacefully in North Richland Hills, Texas, on May 27, 2020, surrounded by the love of her children and granddaughters. She is now reunited with her beloved Joe, laid to rest beside him at Our Lady of Peace in Valhalla, New York. She is survived by her two loving children, Joseph and Irene, her daughter-in-law Mary Jeanne, her four grandchildren, Brendan, Sean, Meghan and Erin, and her six great grandchildren, Grayson, Aida Quinn, Addie, Brennan, Jack and Theodore. 

She is deeply missed by family and friends, yet her legacy lives on in the lives she touched — in her family, in her friends, and in the example of strength and love she leaves behind.