Joy O’Farrell
Diane Quinn
Joy O’Farrell, 78, founder and first President of The Women of Quail Creek, has passed away in Renton, Washington, after a series of health challenges. In 2004, working with a core group of just four other Quail Creek women, Joy helped to develop the first mission of TWOQC; to discover and develop awareness of current affairs and provide relevant information and education. The new organization would also provide an opportunity for socializing and give support to the welfare of the women residing in Quail Creek and their families. The organization that had 40 women in attendance for its first meeting in March 2004 has grown today to nearly 400. Under Joy’s enthusiastic watch, TWOQC donated to non-profit entities and sponsored food drives for the local Food Bank.
In 2009, the in-coming President of TWOQC, Peggy McGee, was quoted by the Green Valley News as saying of Joy, “She is a very kind person. While standing in line waiting to get a prescription filled, an elderly woman didn’t have enough money to pay for her two prescriptions. Joy reached into her pocket and gave the clerk the money to pay for the other prescription.”
“Since Joy’s move to Quail Creek in 2002, her primary focus has been enhancing the quality of life by establishing organizations to entertain, motivate and challenge residents,” she added.
Joy was also the Founder of the QC Performing Arts, providing high quality entertainment productions for Quail Creek residents and others from the Green Valley area. Her efforts in championing the addition of a professional quality stage in the Madera Ballroom continue to provide audiences great enjoyment of the many theater and musical events that take place each year.
Joy will long be remembered for her positive attitude, courage and can-do spirit. Joy’s success was achieved as a result of her enthusiasm for life, despite facing serious health and physical challenges.
Messages of sympathy may be sent to Larry O’Farrell and family to their home address: 104 Burnett Avenue S, Merrill Gardens, Unit No. 305, Renton, Washington 98057. Donations in Joy’s memory may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America (www.lupus.org).