Obituary for Gertrude H. Farrington
Gertrude (Guggie) Farrington, 107 years old, formerly of Ridgefield CT passed away peacefully in Valhalla, New York. Born in 1914, Gertrude lived a long life that allowed her to excel at her professional career at Texaco and pursue her passion for gardening.
She graduated from the College of New Rochelle in 1935, a significant achievement since only 8% of females in the US graduated from college at that time.
Gertrude had a long and remarkable career with Texaco. She started in 1944 as a stenographer in the Personnel Department. In 1963, she became the first female officer of Texaco when she was appointed Assistant Secretary of the company. She retired from Texaco in 1973.
Gertrude and her husband, Wesley, shared a lifelong passion for gardening. Gertrude was a member of the Ridgefield Garden Club where she was instrumental in the restoration and maintenance of Ballard Park’s parterre gardens. Gertrude kept a diary from 1978-1992 that detailed her daily life, gardening activity, bird sightings, world events and Notre Dame football games. Her diary was accepted into The Smithsonian Institution’s Archives of American Gardens, and turned into a learning lab titled, “Explore One Woman’s Experience in Civic Life, 1978-1992”.
Gertrude is survived by her sister, Kelly Davis, 10 nieces and nephews, 12 great nieces and nephews, 22 great-great nieces and nephews, and 2 great great-great nephews.
Visitation Monday October 25, 2021 11AM-1PM at Beecher Flooks Funeral Home, Pleasantville, where funeral services will be held at 1 PM. Burial following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, White Plains, NY.
She graduated from the College of New Rochelle in 1935, a significant achievement since only 8% of females in the US graduated from college at that time.
Gertrude had a long and remarkable career with Texaco. She started in 1944 as a stenographer in the Personnel Department. In 1963, she became the first female officer of Texaco when she was appointed Assistant Secretary of the company. She retired from Texaco in 1973.
Gertrude and her husband, Wesley, shared a lifelong passion for gardening. Gertrude was a member of the Ridgefield Garden Club where she was instrumental in the restoration and maintenance of Ballard Park’s parterre gardens. Gertrude kept a diary from 1978-1992 that detailed her daily life, gardening activity, bird sightings, world events and Notre Dame football games. Her diary was accepted into The Smithsonian Institution’s Archives of American Gardens, and turned into a learning lab titled, “Explore One Woman’s Experience in Civic Life, 1978-1992”.
Gertrude is survived by her sister, Kelly Davis, 10 nieces and nephews, 12 great nieces and nephews, 22 great-great nieces and nephews, and 2 great great-great nephews.
Visitation Monday October 25, 2021 11AM-1PM at Beecher Flooks Funeral Home, Pleasantville, where funeral services will be held at 1 PM. Burial following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, White Plains, NY.