LEXINGTON: Mary J. Farren Atelski went home to be with the Lord after an unexpected battle for her life Saturday, April 4, 2015 in Ohio Health MedCentral Mansfield Hospital ER following a sudden illness. She was 62.
She was born March 28, 1953 in the Bronx, NYC to Irish immigrant parents Owen & Bridget (O’Grady) Farren. Her father soon moved the family to Indianapolis, IN and Mary was graduated from St. Agnes Academy. After high school she earned her associates degree from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis to become a dental assistant.
Mary, her husband & their daughter moved to the Lexington area in 1990. Her passion was volunteer work and her mission in life was to help others. Mary was a good listener, great advice-giver, and a friend and confidant to many. Her calm and compassionate voice could set anyone right at ease. Even for acquaintances, she went above and beyond: delivering meals to folks at home with meals-on-wheels, driving people to the airport and other appointments (or even on cross-country trips!), and taking a genuine interest in every person with whom she conversed.
Whenever she got the chance, Mary wanted to spend time with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson—gatherings with family and friends were her favorite moments. She also enjoyed working out and was training for a 5k.
Mary was at the core of Resurrection Parish in Lexington. She committed her time and talents to volunteer for the church in every way she could: adult formation, 5 year strategic planning committee, sacrificial giving committee, past member of the pastoral council, nursing home luncheons, a volunteer with VBS, and was an integral part of the Ignite movement in the deanery…too many areas to fully list. Everyone at Resurrection will miss her deeply.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Shannon & Brian Hayes of Avon Lake; her almost 4-year-old grandson Owen Hayes; her husband Steve Atelski of Indianapolis, IN; two brothers and their wives Owen & Kathy Farren of Philadelphia, PA and Neil & Terri Farren of Dallas, TX; a sister Bridget Farren of Indianapolis, IN; eleven nieces and nephews; numerous relatives in New York, Ireland, and Scotland; many godchildren and countless close friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Her family will receive friends 2-4 and 5-8 p.m. Thursday, April 9, 2015 in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where a vigil service will begin at 8 p.m. Mass of Catholic Burial will be offered 11 a.m. Friday morning at Resurrection Parish celebrated by the Very Rev. Father Nelson Beaver and burial in Lexington Cemetery will be held at a later date.
Contributions in her memory to Resurrection Parish or Hospice of North Central Ohio (where Mary also volunteered) may be made at the services.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Mary’s family and encourage you to watch her tribute video and share a fond memory or message of condolence at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
