Re: “Anne V. Farrell, Seattle Foundation ex-president and CEO, dies at 89” (June 16, Local News):
Thank you for the obituary honoring Anne Farrell and her civic leadership in Seattle. I’d like to lift up another dimension of her life: her deep and steadfast leadership in her faith community in Central Seattle.
At a time when women were often expected to take a lower-profile role within the church, Anne was elected Senior Warden in 1976, the highest lay leadership position, at Epiphany Parish in the Madrona Denny Blaine neighborhood. She served during a period marked by sharp racial and economic tensions in our city, and under her guidance, the parish broadened its diversity and expanded its commitment to social service. She also led Epiphany to become the first Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Olympia to ordain a woman to the priesthood.
Anne helped shape a community where all belong, wherever they are on their spiritual journey. That legacy continues to thrive at Epiphany today. She carried herself with quiet resolve, a cheerful presence, and unwavering dedication to living out her faith in ways that made a real difference, for the church the city, and the region we share.
The Rev. Doyt L. Conn Jr., rector, Epiphany Seattle
