Alison Farrar  95, of Hanover, New Hampshire died peacefully September 1, 2023 with family and friends by her side. Born in Glen Cove, New York to James Drummond Erskine and Marion Rogers Erskine she was raised in Cold Spring Harbor, New York where her love of the sea and a passion for athletics was born.

At a young age Allie was sent to live with relatives in Buffalo, New York after the untimely death of her father. Through their generosity she was able to attend Sandia School (now Sandia Prep) in New Mexico and Chatham School in Virginia. Upon returning home to Cold Spring Harbor, she lived with her mother, helping her run the gift shop she had established and commuting into New York City where she attended Finch Junior College.

In 1950 Allie married Coleman W. Hoyt and settled in Katonah, New York where they raised their three sons. She loved to ski and was a highly competitive tennis player. After a divorce in 1964 she took a job as a bookkeeper for St. Matthews Episcopal Church and later as the manager of Bedford International Travel Service. The travel agency afforded her the opportunity to explore the world for decades.

In 1968 Allie married Louis V. Farrar. They surrounded themselves in Katonah with a large, close-knit group of friends, who along with their blended family, filled their lives with laughter and many adventures. Allie and Louie shared a love of music and sports including singing, football games, skiing and sailing.

In 1984 they moved to Lyme, New Hampshire where they quickly integrated into the fabric of the Upper Valley. After Louis’s death in 1990, Allie continued raising sheep and expanding her flower and vegetable gardens. She was a longtime member of Full Circle Singers. As a lifelong knitter and painter, she opened Long River Studios in Lyme to showcase and sell the works of talented, local artists. Allie took great pride in her Scottish heritage, was skilled at bookkeeping & accounting and took great joy in balancing her checkbook.

In 2016 she moved to The Greens in Hanover, NH where she immersed herself in a new phase of life. Allie and her neighbors maintained their solidarity and health, emerging from the pandemic to once again enjoy Friday night cocktail parties. Allie treasured friends of all backgrounds and ages, both lifelong and newly made. She was known for her independent spirit, her strength and courage. She was an inspiration to many and she adored her family and her life,

She is survived by her children Coleman W. Hoyt Jr (Amy Brauer) of Concord, MA, daughter-in-law, Chrystine Hoyt of Waterville, ME, Stephen T. Hoyt (Chrisanne Hoyt) of Orford, NH, and her step-children, Debra N. Farrar of Derry, NH, Davis S. Farrar (Cathie) of Carbondale, CO, James H. Farrar (Lisa) of North Hero, VT, and Julie Farrar (Bill D’Alelio) of Yellow Springs, WV. She leaves behind five grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her son Andrew E. Hoyt, husband Louis V. Farrar, stepson Louis V. Farrar Jr., sister Margaret E. Lee and brother J. Drummond Erskine, Jr.

Allie’s family would like to offer thanks to her friends and the staff at The Greens for their constant support and love…and great appreciation to her medical & caregiving team - Dr. Adam Schwarz, Bayada Hospice and Ellie’s Family Home Care - for their excellent, loving care.

Please join us for a celebration of her life at the Lyme Congregational Church on Saturday November 11, 2023 at 2:00 pm followed by a reception at Dowd’s Country Inn, Lyme NH.

Donations in Alison’s name can be made to The Lyme Foundation PO Box 292 Lyme, NH 03768 Attn: Louis V. Farrar Memorial Fund or https://www.lymefoundation.org/donate

 

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