Marie (Farr) Elterich, 78, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2024. Born on August 28th, 1945, in West Hartford, Marie lived the greater part of her life there, graduating from Hall High School in 1963. She earned her BS Degree in Special Education from Southern CT State College and then received a fellowship to Teachers College, Columbia University, where she earned her Master of Arts Degree in Special Education in 1968. In June of that year, she married her one and only sweetheart Kenneth Elterich. After teaching one year in New Haven, the Elterichs moved to Syracuse, New York where Marie taught special education in high school.

Returning to Connecticut in 1970, Marie first taught in Vernon before getting a job as a Special Education Teacher at Bulkeley High School in Hartford, where she stayed for 30 years. While teaching, she received her Sixth-Year Degree in Administration/ Supervision from the University of Hartford, was a cooperating teacher for BEST helping to train student teachers from the University of Connecticut, and was on several visiting committees for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. She was also the advisor for the Future Educators Club, the president of the Staff Club and an advisor to the National Honor Society. After her retirement, she became the president of the Bulkeley High School Retirees Association. She was also involved in the community as a den mother for Cub Scout Troop 105, treasurer of the Women Auxiliary of the McGinley Crafa Little League and president of the Kennelly School PTA during the time of the passing of the bond issue to renovate the school.

In 1997, Marie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease but that did not slow her down or dampen her spirit. She fought bravely and continuously against this debilitating disease. She volunteered for many research studies at Yale University and other programs hoping what was learned would help others. She would talk to and help those afflicted with the disease or those recently diagnosed and was a fighter who never gave up.

Marie was an avid reader and turned to listening to books when she could no longer read because of Parkinson's. She loved animals and everyone knew that each of their cats and dogs throughout the years were part of the family. The first loves in her heart were her family and friends, and she liked nothing more than spending time with them. She also loved to sing and would burst out in song at any time of day, eventually joining the choir at her church. She loved to travel, visiting places around the world from Alaska to Europe to multiple cross-country trips and was able to travel even more after retirement. Ken and Marie also had a house in Rhode Island where they loved to entertain their numerous family and friends.

Marie leaves her beloved husband, Kenneth, her sons Michael and Geoffrey and their wives Emily and Amy. Her pride and joy were her three lovely granddaughters, Meghan, Julia, and Zoe. She also leaves her brother Bob Farr, his wife Diana MacPherson, and her sister Jane Farr. The family would like to thank Dr. Foley and the entire staff of the ICU at UConn Health for their compassionate care.

Visitation hours will be held Thursday, (March 7) from 5pm to 7pm at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford. Funeral services will begin Friday, (March 8) at 10am at Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home followed by the Funeral Liturgy at 11 AM at St. Mark the Evangelist Church, 467 Quaker Lane South, West Hartford. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. In lieu of flowers, Marie would request that you sign up to be an organ donor and/or volunteer to be in a medical research study for the illness of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com