Bridget Farrell

Bridget "Della" Farrell entered into eternal rest March 4, 2019.  She leaves behind Brendan, her husband of 61 years, her children Peter Farrell (Shelley) of Sherwood, Veronica Farrell (David) of North Little Rock, and Stella Farrell of Richmond, VA, four grandchildren, Kristen, Laura, Aidan and Ethan, and step grandchildren Alex and Michael who loved her dearly.  Della was preceded in death by her daughter Eilish.

Della was born September 21, 1927, one of 13 beloved children born to John and Suzanne Bruton in Castlepollard, Ireland. She earned a degree as a registered nurse and midwife in England before returning to Mullingar, Ireland. Della relished her years working in the operating theatre of Mulligar County Hospital with the Sisters of Charity. It was there that she met and fell in love with Brendan “Benny” Farrell of Patrick Street. They were married on January 8th, 1958 at Whitehall Catholic Church in Castlepollard, County Westmeath, Ireland, and have rarely been apart since.

During her training in England at Saint Mary’s Hospital in London, Della and the other young nurses would regularly race a young doctor in training while he ran down the stairs with the nurses riding the elevator to the ground floor. That young doctor eventually became the first person to run a four-minute mile.  His name was Sir Roger Bannister.

Della and Benny emigrated to Derby, England where they raised 3 children before moving again to Arkansas in 1977 where she spent many enjoyable years at UAMS and the VA hospital.   Della became a US citizen in 1984.

A devout Catholic, Della was a fiercely loyal and loving woman with great wit and character. Her family is heartbroken. She will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be at 6:00 PM Friday at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home with a rosary following at 7:00 PM.  Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 AM Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  Interment will follow at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery.