Mrs. Carolyn M. Farley

Carolyn Maureen (Sitzman) Farley passed from this life to her eternal home in heaven on September 25, 2023. Born in 1930, and a native to Pittsfield, Carolyn grew up surrounded by the love of her parents, her brothers and her beloved grandmother. She loved to recount her Saturday afternoon adventure of meeting her grandmother at the laundromat after work, walking to the soda fountain for a “Buffalo Nut” sundae and then off to take in a movie, with the news reels of course! Blessed with a deep and abiding faith in Jesus, Carolyn entered the order of the Sisters of Saint Joseph at age 18. As a nun, and later as Mother Superior, she taught and administered in Catholic elementary schools in the Berkshires and the greater Diocese of Springfield. She left the Convent after 21 years to take care of her ailing mother and began to teach at Hibbard School. She met her husband, Dr. George T. Farley and, together, they carried on the legacy of Tom’s 10 children and their succeeding 31 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Carolyn was “Gramma” and showered these 38 with love, generosity, wisdom and understanding. Carolyn was also a dear Aunt and Great Aunt, who reveled in a good “Face Time” chat with her Georgia and Florida family. Carolyn leaves behind Thomas and Geraldine Farley, Mary K Farley and Steve Young, Colleen Farley and Jeffrey Loring, Shaun and Mary Farley, Kevin Farley, David and Maria Farley, Daniel and Anita Farley, Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Peter and Deborah Farley, Meg Farley, Scott and Jeannie Risley and Mary Sitzman Nelson and their collective 40 descendants. She is predeceased by her parents, John and Dorothy Sitzman, her brothers, John and Walter and her loving husband, “Tom”, (George T.) Farley. Touching lives was not limited to family. Carolyn had wonderful friendships in her community both here, and in Timber Pines, Florida where she honed her mahjong skills to share with her friends! She had wonderful and caring neighbors and many others who “helped out” in and around her home. She also had the warm friendship of other Sisters of St. Joseph. Her dear friend, Father Steven Montesanti, will celebrate her funeral Mass. The family is deeply grateful to this enormous circle of people who cared for her, and in turn for us. The family also wishes to thank the kind and compassionate team of HospiceCare in the Berkshires. The past 12 weeks have been, for Carolyn and her family, a cherished blessing of time. Family and friends came from near and far to visit and chat with her as she began her journey, each visit leaving a beautiful mark on the heart of those who came to see her. She truly looked for the good in people, and to know her, even briefly, was to know that in your heart. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Mrs. Carolyn Maureen (Sitzman) Farley will be Tuesday, October 10, 2023, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 am at Sacred Heart Church, celebrated by the Rev. Steven Montesanti, Pastor. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. To view a recording of this service, please visit https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=04cb0da8-5273-4461-b0c3-9fdc10e8cff0 Calling hours will be Monday, October 9, 2023, from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield MA 01201. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sisters of St. Joseph (https://ssjspringfield.org/makeagift/).

Mrs. Carolyn M. Farley

May 8, 1930 - September 25, 2023