Long-time resident had a love of teaching

Glenetta Betty Farrell’s life was celebrated Sunday at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

The long-time resident of South Laguna died at her home Oct. 10. She was 79.

“Her life was a remarkably deep and rare combination of rich culture and compassion for the needy,” son-in-law Rolland Edward Baker said.

A dedicated teacher, Farrell directed a Montessori School after graduating from college where she studied literature and education. She taught English to Mexican friends whom she met while at the ranch in Baja California where she and her husband, James Moies Farrell, had a second home for 20 years.

She is remembered with affection by Mozambican children she taught during a six-month visit in 2007 with her elder daughter Heidi Gayle Baker, who directs Iris Ministries with her husband.

Farrell bequeathed her love of teaching to her younger daughter, Diane Cwieka, who is on the staff at Annaliese School.

A native Californian, Glenetta Schacht was born Nov. 29, 1930, in Redding. The Farrells married in 1952. After she was widowed, Farrell returned to Laguna where she spent the rest of her life — at least when wasn’t traveling, which was one of the great loves of her life.

She advocated for social justice and won hearts wherever she went with her interest in people of other cultures, especially the less fortunate.

Farrell also loved art, cooking and music — she was an accomplished singer and sang in the St. Mary’s choir.

Besides her daughters, Farrell is survived by her sisters, Gayle Booth and Diana Laird; grandchildren, Elisha Baker, Matthew Rollings, Crystalyn Baker Human, Morgan Cwieka and Tyler Cwieka; and sons-in-Dan Cwieka and Baker.

Donations in Farrell’s name may be made to the Glenetta Farrell Memorial Fund for the children of Mozambique at Iris Ministries. P.O. Box 493995, Redding, CA 96049-3995.