Patricia Ann Reilly Farnham, of Burlington, died peacefully on June 11, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Pat was born in Teaneck, N.J., on February 25, 1936, to Edward D. and Irene (Hickey) Reilly. She grew up in Allston, Mass., and attended Saint Anthony of Padua Elementary and Saint Columbkille High School in Brighton. She later took classes at Boston University.
Pat worked several jobs in her career as an administrative assistant and receptionist. She was working at WBZ Boston when she met John “Jack” Farnham, who had recently returned from Korea, had attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and was a resident at Massachusetts General Hospital. They married on August 10, 1957. Eventually they moved to Jack’s home state of Vermont, where he began his lengthy practice as an oral surgeon.
Pat and Jack raised four sons in a very rural setting at the time, on the east end of the “Sandbar” in Milton. Pat was the consummate devoted mother and wife and was patient and supportive as Jack and the boys pursued their hunting, fishing, sports, and other passions and pastimes. She was also Jack’s partner as they invested in local real estate over the years. Pat was a voracious reader and loved Broadway musicals. She was a wonderful cook and baker and welcomed myriad guests over the years. Pat cultivated many friendships with people both near and far and was always known for her sense of humor, positive outlook on life and considerable generosity.
Pat was predeceased by her parents; Jack; Jack’s parents, Charles and Mary; and her sisters Marilyn Guilmet and Kathleen Reardon.
Pat is survived by her sister Elizabeth Dugan (Owen) and brother David Reilly (Bonnie), her four sons, Jonathan of Burlington, Joseph (Manon) of South Hero, Daniel (Jill), of Swanton and Matthew (Apryl) of Grand Isle. Pat was a devoted and loving Nanny to her grandsons, Christopher, William J. and William A.; granddaughters, Lillian, Olivia (Michael), Madeline, Sarah and Lucy; and great-granddaughters, Bobbi and Ricki.
At Pat’s request, there will be no calling hours. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on July 3, 2025, 1 p.m., at Christ the King Church, 136 Locust St., Burlington. Interment will be private at a later date at the convenience of the family, at Resurrection Park in South Burlington.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be to Christ the King Church, 136 Locust St., Burlington, VT 05401, the North End Food Pantry, 1416 North Ave., Burlington VT, 05408 or a charity of choice.
Arrangements are by Stephen C. Gregory and Son Cremation Services of South Burlington.
This article appears in The Food Issue 2025.