WA - Anne Van Ness Farrell died peacefully on June 14, surrounded by her family. She was 89.

She had the grace and work ethic of an earlier generation, paired with an idealist's vision and unwavering sense of fairness. Her life left a lasting mark on Seattle, strengthening its institutions and touching countless individual lives.

Born in Beijing, in 1935, to Virginia Cheatham and Marine Corps Officer Cornelius Peter Van Ness II, Anne's early life was one of constant motion—13 schools in 12 years. That experience shaped her lifelong resilience and commitment to building community.

She graduated from St. Nicholas School in 1953 and the University of Washington in 1960. In 1955, she married Edmond Robert (Bob) James Farrell. Their 70-year partnership was the foundation for a life centered on family, deep friendship, community, purpose, and impact.

Anne approached motherhood with imagination, confidence, and joy. She drew daily cartoons for her daughters and made holidays memorable—especially Christmas, with annual flaming plum puddings.

She brought the same care to civic life, with a volunteer leadership role in the Junior League evolving into a pioneering professional career. In 1983, she became President and CEO of The Seattle Foundation, leading it to extraordinary growth over 20 years. In her many leadership roles, from CEO to chairing boards, Anne combined mastery of detail and subtle persuasion, guiding organizations to innovate while cherishing their essential mission and character. Her board leadership spanned corporations, civic groups, and nonprofits—from REI and Blue Cross to the Seattle Public Library, Rotary, the Rainier Club, Lakeside and Seattle University. With friends, Anne co-founded the Seattle CityClub and the Washington Women's Foundation. She treated everyone-from donors to staff-with dignity and respect.

She read voraciously, traveled widely, and gave her time with intention. She walked nearly every day, played tennis with the same friends for decades (it wasn't just about the tennis), was a mentor to many, and found restoration in nature—especially on the trails near Mount Rainier.

Anne was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, C. Peter Van Ness; and her grandson, Gunnar James Farrell Johnson.

She is survived by her husband, E. Robert Farrell; daughters, Virginia Van Ness Farrell Day and Susan Price Farrell Landsem; her brother and sister-in-law, William Denman and Catherine Van Ness; three nieces; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Anne V. Farrell Fund at Seattle Foundation, supporting the Anne Van Ness Farrell Reading Room at Seattle University—a space where students gather to collaborate and build community.

Seattle Foundation

Anne V. Farrell Fund

PO Box 35146, LB #1069

Seattle, WA 98124