Margaret Mary O'Farrell

Born in Tipperary, Ireland – Passed peacefully in Lakeport, California

Margaret O’Farrell, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and teacher, passed away peacefully at her home in Lakeport, California. She was the eldest of ten Downey siblings, born in Tipperary, Ireland, where her early years were shaped by a strong sense of family and faith.

At the age of fourteen, Margaret moved to Manchester, England, to pursue her passion for teaching, an endeavor that would become her life’s work. It was there she met her beloved husband, Patrick O’Farrell. Together, they welcomed two sons, Guy and Leo, before immigrating to San Francisco in 1962 to be near Margaret’s sister, Teresa, a registered nurse.

In San Francisco, Margaret earned her California teaching credential from Lone Mountain College and began teaching in local schools in the Inner Richmond District. She later gave birth to her third son, Shane. The family eventually settled in Larkspur, where their youngest son, Conor, was born, and the older children attended local Catholic schools.

In 1971, following Patrick’s real estate work, the family moved to Lake County, living in both Riviera West in Kelseyville and on Big Valley Rd in Lakeport. Margaret continued teaching and remained deeply committed to her children’s education and well-being. After her older sons began college, she relocated to Santa Barbara in 1977 to be closer to Teresa’s family, where she continued raising her younger sons and teaching in local schools.

Margaret retired from teaching in 1989 and returned to her cherished home on Big Valley Rd. She dedicated her retirement to restoring the property, supported by the love and labor of friends and family. Maggie loved singing songs and having cups of tea. She found joy in simple pleasures – taking walks and having company over.

In 2012, a fall resulted in a brain injury that marked a new chapter in her life. Though she could no longer drive, Margaret recovered and spent several years living independently in Alameda, where she enjoyed the island’s parks, churches, and vibrant community life.

In 2018, she returned once more to Lakeport, where she remained until her passing. With the dedicated support of the Lakeport Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, St. Mary’s Church parishioners, caregivers, and healthcare providers, she was able to live out her final years with dignity and grace in the home she loved.

Margaret is survived by her siblings Mary, Teresa, Kathleen, Thomas, and Noreen; her sons Leo and Conor; and their children respectively: Darnell, Paige, Trevor, Kendall, and Patrick, Shannon, Bridget. She is also fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews, including California based Patric, Noreen, and Rosaleen.

Margaret’s strength, warmth, and unwavering devotion to her family, faith and friends leaves a lasting legacy. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.