Irene Melland Farrell, age 69, of Isanti died March 5, 2018 at her sister’s home in Cambridge after a courageous battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, MARCH 17th at Faith Lutheran Church in Isanti. A memorial visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the service starts at noon Saturday, March 17th at the church.
Irene was born May 17, 1948 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to James and Elizabeth (Tursko) Slavik. She was raised and attended school in Minneapolis. Irene married Ron Melland and they had two sons, Randy and Cory. Later in life she married Glenn Farrell and they had a son, Jeff. She raised her boys in Isanti and worked a variety of jobs in the area. She enjoyed the outdoors, camping and reading. Irene was known for her potato salad that everyone loved. She also was an Elvis fan. Most of all, Irene loved spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed babysitting the grandkids and the family at bon fires and fish fry’s. She was loved dearly and will be forever missed.
Irene Melland Farrell passed away March 5, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 69 years, 9 months and 16 days. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by five brothers, one sister and one grandson, Jacob Melland
Irene is survived by three sons, Randy (Lisa) Melland, Cory Melland, and Jeff (Nadine) Farrell; one brother, six sisters, five grandchildren, Lindsey Melland, Jeremy Melland, Jenevieve Farrell, Joscelynn Farrell, and Nathaniel Farrell; and one great-granddaughter, Kaelyn McLaughlin.
Jim and I truly thought of Irene as family. We will miss her humour, potato salad and card games. She was a gem.
Lindsey, I am so sad at the loss of your dear Grandmother. Hugs to you and the rest if your family.
I was Irene’s caregiver for two months.
I feel honored to be trusted to lovingly care for her.
My husband Joseph never once complained about Irene taking over our living room.
Irene has her mother’s smile, always there radiant and contagious. I know they are together now and she is at peace to look over us. So remember boys, your Mom’s is still watching. She will always be with you and have her special way of guiding you. I know this because my mother is the sister she is with now and her presence is often stronger now than before she was above, looking down over me.
May you find strength in your memories and her teachings.
Glenn, Jeff & family: So sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. I know she’ll always hold a special place in your hearts. Treasure your memories of her, remember her laughter and smiles. Continue to talk about your memories of Irene to the grkids. I’ll always remember that Irene taught Jeff to hug us goodbye and to say “thank you”. She also taught him to send me a card addressed to “Auntie Karen”.
Randy & Cory and families: Recalling the good times with your mom will help overcome these sad times eventually.
Dahle: What a sweet and caring and loving sister you were to Irene over the past few months, as you and Lefty opened your home to Irene , and for the care you provided to her.
I know I will use my memories of Irene, to help with the grief. I feel honored that I was able to call Irene my sister-in-law. Blessed be her memory. My thoughts & prayers are with her friends and family.
My daughter, Irene’s Great niece, wrote this. I have been trying to find it because it is so fitting for Irene…
IN LOVING MEMORY
Today heaven gained an angel
As did each person close to you
Today each lesson that you taught
Reigns twice as true
As we lay you down today
We know your soul’s at rest
And that you’ve been our angel
Through each and every test
A calm and loving woman
This day has passed away
Yet your guidance and your presence
Is in our hearts to stay
So as this life goes on
Memories of you are very dear
From sunrise to sunset
Your love is ever clear.
Ashlee Glass