Mrs. Joy S. Farrelly

Helen Joy Farrelly, née Stimm, age 97, of Williamsville, New York, passed away on July 28th, 2024, at her home in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Born on September 17th, 1926, Joy was the second of three children of Howard Frank Stimm (1895-1969) and Mary Walker Stimm (1897-1993). She was the first girl born in five generations on her father’s side of the family, leading her parents to give her the middle name, Joy. Joy grew up in a wonderfully supportive family that encouraged her many interests. Her childhood was filled with adventure, including tennis, Adirondack summers, archery, swimming, Girl Scout challenges, and even becoming the high school badminton champion. A favorite pastime of hers was skiing, which she started from a young age and continued to enjoy into her 80s. She attended Skidmore College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts. Her love of travel was ignited by a trip to Sweden in 1948 with The Experiment in International Living, foreshadowing the extensive international experiences that would follow. Joy, along with her beloved husband Scottie and their four children, spent 17 years living abroad in France, Belgium, Italy, and Canada. She founded the International Women’s Group in Lake Como, Italy, and served as the president of the American Women’s Club in Paris, France. Joy was deeply committed to volunteering for various organizations and generously supporting those in need. She and Scottie traveled the world and energetically immersed themselves in various cultures, learned new languages, and provided their children with countless valuable life experiences. Throughout her life, Joy continuously explored new passions, including cooking, entertaining, painting, piano playing and composition, jewelry design, and gardening. She started playing chess in her late 80’s with family and friends and several online games were in progress at the time of her passing. Always seeking new adventures, Joy and Scottie became established innkeepers of the Cliffwood Inn in Lenox, Massachusetts at the age of 60, running it for 27 years. Their rich life experiences and Joy’s remarkable hospitality provided guests with unique and memorable stays. Joy was a mother, mentor, and dear friend to many. She demonstrated strong faith, unconditional love, and a fierce independence. Joy had an ever-hopeful outlook on life, a generous spirit, perseverance and a continual outpouring of care for family and friends. Joy is survived by her brother Kean, her four children, Virginia, Mark, Cordelia, and Jennifer, their spouses, twelve grandchildren, and five and a half great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister Virginia, and her husband Scottie. Her life was a testament to the joys of embracing adventure, the importance of family and friends, and the impact of a generous and loving spirit. She was cherished by all and will be deeply missed by those who knew her. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 10am at St. Ann Church in Lenox. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. Memorial donations in Joy's memory may be made to either Breakthrough T1D or Tunnel 2 Towers, both in care of Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.

Mrs. Joy S. Farrelly

September 17, 1926 - July 28, 2024