Catherine Quinn Farley

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Catherine Quinn Farley, beautiful and loving wife, mother, sister and friend to all whose lives she touched, on December 18th, 2018. She left us peacefully at her home in New Brighton, MN surrounded by her husband and daughters. She was 63 years old.

Cathy was the definition of a warrior. She didn’t let her 8-year battle with breast cancer stop her from laughing, traveling, mentoring and yes, working. She spent an illustrious 45-year career at Allianz Life, where her work ethic, leadership and friendship will be missed greatly. Cathy’s knock-down-drag-out battle with breast cancer was only able to get the best of her when it spread to her brain in September. Just days before she passed, she was still asking “what’s next?”. She was never afraid of the fight if it meant a few more memories with family and friends. 

Cathy was the amazing wife of 34 years to Larry Farley, mother to Trish (Chad) Olson, Kelly (Robby) Moss, and Michelle (Joe) Farley, proud grandmother of Nolan and Nathan Olson. Dog mom to Bruce, who proved her lifelong “dog-free” home rule was no match for this Frenchie. 

Cathy grew up in North Minneapolis, daughter of Dr. Donald and Myra Quinn (deceased). Sister to Dr. Donald Jr (Renate), Larry (Yvonne), Tom (Mary), Patricia Quinn and Margaret Hanna and (Mark, deceased). She attended St. Ann’s grade school and St. Anthony of Padua’s High School before they merged with DeLaSalle High School, where she was the first graduating class of women in 1972. 

While cut far too short, Cathy lived life to the fullest. She will be remembered for her infectious smile, tear-filled laughing spouts, spunky personality, love of wine, traveling, chocolate shakes, and any and all network TV dramas. She never once complained about the cancer or the years of chemo she endured. No pain was ever enough for her to give up, and if a study arose that might one day help others, she was the first in line. She exemplified bravery, strength and compassion every day. Most of all she loved her family and instilled in her daughters strong values that will continue to serve them every day. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. David King in partnership with Minnesota Oncology, Virginia Piper Cancer Institute and Alina Health for giving us 8 more years of memories with our mom. Dr. King- we will forever be thankful for your compassionate care, unwavering dedication and beautiful friendship. Thank you!

Visitation will be held at Billman-Hunt Funeral Chapel, 2701 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418, on Thursday December 20th from 5:00 – 7:00pm. A dedication ceremony will take place at 7:00pm, all are welcome to share memories of Cathy. 

The funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 4030 Jackson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55421, on Friday December 21stat 10am.  Visitation one hour prior. Internment at Sunset Cemetery immediately following.

In typical Cathy fashion, a celebration of life “happy hour” will be held at the 400 Tavern, 1330 Industrial Blvd NE Minneapolis from 12-2pm. 

In lieu of flowers, Cathy would love to continue to support the American Cancer Society- for the care they provide and the cure they WILL one day find. https://Donate3.cancer.org

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