Mary Catherine (Cathy) Farney
August 22, 1952 ~ November 2, 2025
Born in: Yokohama, Japan
Resided in: Wichita, Kansas
Mary Catherine (Cathy) Farney, 73, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025. Cathy was born August 22, 1952, at Our Lady of Lourdes Baby Home in Yokohama, Japan. Emil (Don) and Catherine Farney chose her at 5 months of age while he was serving with the Army in Japan and the adoption was finalized in January of 1954.
Cathy spent the first 9 years of her life in Tacoma, Washington with her parents and beloved German Shepherd, Foof. They then moved to Wichita, KS where she attended Mount Carmel Academy High School, graduating in 1970. She lived with her parents until their deaths. Afterward, she lived in Peabody KS and then returned to Wichita in 2018 to reside in the Meridian Health Care and Rehab facility.
Cathy loved dogs and there was a succession of 4 dogs in her life. Her favorites were two West Highland White Terriers who were her constant companions. She enjoyed puzzles, art projects, family “get-togethers” and best of all, shopping for clothes and eating out with her “kindred sister,” Lucia.
She is survived by cousins, Jim Biehler (Lucia) and Dan Biehler (Jeri) of Wichita; Becky Hoog and Robert Kappus of Indiana; Loy and Donald Anschutz, JoAnn Stinle, Kathleen and Dr. Earl Merkel, Alice Peterka and Richard Farney of Wilson; Malcolm Shaw of Ellsworth; Bob Farney of Illinois; Steve Farney of McPherson and Dennis Farney of Kansas City. As well as numerous 2nd cousins.
The family is grateful to the staff of Meridian Health Care for their loving care for Cathy; they were truly her friends and second family. Thanks also for the care and support in her last days given by the staffs of Good Sheperd Hospice and Visiting Angels Senior Home Care.
The Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 am followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 both on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Both will be held in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Wichita, KS. Burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Meridian Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in care of Rodney Close, Administrator, 1555 N. Meridian Ave, Wichita, KS 67203.
May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Services in care of Downing and Lahey West Mortuary.
Services
Rosary: Thursday, November 13, 2025 10:00 am
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
645 N. 119th St. W.
Wichita, KS 67235
Funeral Mass: Thursday, November 13, 2025 10:30 am
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
645 N. 119th St. W.
Wichita, KS 67235
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Mary Catherine (Cathy) Farney 's name.
Meridian Rehabilitation & Health Care Center
Attn: Rodney Close, 1555 N. Meridian Ave.
Wichita,
KS
67203
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I graduated with Cathy from Mount Carmel. We didn’t know each other well but sometimes we’d talk in passing.
We had our reunion in October and were wondering about her. So sorry to hear of her passing. Our prayers go out to her family and friends.