Elaine M. "Schoony" Farley
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Elaine M. Farley, 75, of Herkimer, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at home, with her loving and devoted family by her side.
Elaine was born in Ilion, the daughter of the late Clarence and Helen Spellicy Shoonmaker. She was a graduate of Ilion High School, Class of ’69, and received her associate’s degree from Cornell University. She retired from Herkimer ARC in 2014 and before that position, worked as the “Cool Lunch Lady” at the former Remington Elementary School, Ilion. Elaine also took immense pride in her near twenty years of service as a volunteer EMT/Dispatcher with the Mohawk Valley Ambulance Corps, Inc.
She was united in marriage to James (Jim) Farley in 2001 and shared a loving union until his passing in 2015. Elaine also remained close friends with her former husband, Gary Richardson, until his passing in 2017.
Those close to Elaine knew her love of the band Air Supply. She traveled multiple times across the country and Canada to attend concerts with her daughter and grandchildren. She also enjoyed crafting, especially ceramics. Elaine had a great fondness of the Adirondacks, where she spent many summers, and truly considered it her happy place. She was most proud of her Irish Heritage, which was very evident in her sassy attitude and spitfire mouth. Elaine with her laughter and smiles will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all the lives she touched.
She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law; Tracy and Jeffrey Cunningham of Herkimer, and Tammy and Steven Baum of Ilion; her brothers and sisters-in-laws, Tom and Marilyn Schoonmaker and Ron and Laura Schoonmaker; her grandchildren, Jasmine, Reeve, Carli, Alexis and Tyler; her nieces Kim, Rebecca and Krista; her nephew Jason; along with her many “adopted” grandchildren; her longtime special friend group from high school and dear friends, Phyllis Weaver and Andrea Robinson.
Her family would like to express their gratitude to the wonderful staff from Hospice for their compassionate care and support over the last few difficult months.
In keeping with Elaine’s wishes, no public services will be held. Elaine and her family’s care have been entrusted to Scott J. Pizer, funeral director for the Bottini Funeral Home, 120 W. Embargo Street, Rome.
