Martha M. Farrell

Martha M. Farrell, 71, of Cumberland, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was the devoted wife of Thomas C. Farrell for nearly fifty years—a love story she joyfully shared with anyone who would listen: "Tom and I met during the Blizzard of '78 at the Newport Creamery next to the APEX building."

Born in Central Falls, she was the cherished daughter of the late James and Claire (Kelly) Pratt.

Martha dedicated her professional life to nursing, serving patients and families in hospitals throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. During her long and compassionate career, she worked at Emerson Hospital, Memorial Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Sturdy Hospital, and Fuller Hospital. Nursing was more than her profession—it was a reflection of her generous spirit and deep commitment to caring for others.

Her devotion to service extended far beyond her career.  As a life-long, proud, Rhode Islander, Martha was an active and tireless member of her community, volunteering in her children's schools, at her church, and with numerous local organizations. She worked passionately with Marriage Equality Rhode Island, was a dedicated mentor, and proudly served on the Cumberland School Committee. She believed deeply in giving back and in lifting others up.

She was also an active and positive presence in the Circuit Drive neighborhood, where she formed deep and lasting connections with her many neighbors. Whether through everyday conversations, shared celebrations, or simple acts of kindness, she helped foster the close-knit spirit that made her neighborhood feel like family.

Martha found joy in life's simple, meaningful gestures. Many mornings, while in the Dunkin' drive-thru line, she would quietly pay for the order of the car behind her—just to "pay it forward." She delighted in making people smile and in brightening someone's day. Over the course of her life, she touched countless lives and treasured every moment of it.

In her spirit, she would ask that anyone reading this find a way to positively impact someone's life today—and to pass it on in her honor.

In addition to her beloved husband, she is survived by her children, Ellen Thomas and her husband, Stafford; Christopher Farrell; and Colleen Farrell; her sister, Claire Sweeney; and her two cherished grandchildren, Stafford and Matthias Thomas.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a Funeral Service on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the O'Neill Funeral Home, 3102 Mendon Road, Cumberland. Burial will be private. Visiting hours will be held from 12:00 -  2:00 PM, prior to the service, at the funeral home.