Fernanda D’Andrea Darrow
March 14, 1960 ~ September 20, 2017
Portland - Fernanda D'Andrea Darrow, 57, died on Wednesday, September 20, 2017.
Fernanda was born on March 14, 1960, to Maria Nelida Alderete Goytia and Lucio Rafael D'Andrea in Salta, Argentina, the youngest of four siblings. Fernanda grew up wild and free amongst her numerous extended family on a farm outside of Salta and attended one of the most prestigious high schools in her area. The early death of her mother, when Fernanda was only 15, devastated her family and would inspire in her the fortitude and unyielding love with which she would approach the rest of her life. In 1978, she moved to Iowa as an exchange student at Marshalltown Community College, where she found the generous care of Miles and Betty McClurg, a host family who treated her as if she were their own daughter. With their support and encouragement, Fernanda returned to the United States to attend college at Iowa State University after completing her high school exams in Argentina.
Fernanda was brilliant, strong-willed, and formidable in her determination. Without any help from scholarships or financial aid, she persevered through college while working three jobs and learning English. She met Mitchell John Darrow while waiting tables at the diner where they both worked. They married in 1986. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology and began a career in computer programming, where she excelled. However, after moving to Maine in 2000, and reveling in the prospect of spending more time with her three children, she became a teacher at Cheverus High School. Fernanda found that she adored her students and devoted much of her spare time and energy to their support.
If Fernanda wasn't working you could find her playing competitive tennis across the country, reading at the beach, having coffee in her garden, or enjoying a Holy Donut with her kids. She will be remembered for her ability to find beauty in unexpected places, her raucous and infectious laugh, and her incredible generosity of spirit even in the face of the most difficult situations.
The family welcomes fresh-picked flowers at the services, to reflect Fernanda's love of life and color.
Fernanda was predeceased by her mother, Maria Nelida Alderete Goytia, her father Lucio Rafael D'Andrea, and her beloved cats Fluff and Sgt. Tibbs. She is survived by her sisters, Margarita D'Andrea and Josefina D'Andrea Ohlsson; her brother, Lucio D'Andrea; her children, Mattias Darrow, Maria Darrow, and Cassandra Darrow; and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, September 24, from 4:00-6:00PM at the Cheverus High School Chapel, 267 Ocean Ave, Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 25, at 10:30AM at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave, Portland.
To view Fernanda's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
Memorial contributions may be made in Fernanda's memory to NPR Donation, 323 Marginal Way, Portland, ME 04101
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Maria, Matt, Cassie, I am so saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. I was so fortunate to have her as a friend through you children, church and work. I will miss our chats and her beautiful smile. May God be with you all.
– Holly Villacci
I was a student in Fernanda’s Spanish class at The Language Exchange for the last two years. She was brilliant and erudite, and her love of people, languages, and life was infectious. I looked forward every week to our class conversations on art, politics, and philosophy. Fernanda was one of the most talented teachers I ever had, and she will be so deeply missed. My sincere condolences to her special family.
– Emily Cooke
It’s been an honor to be your niece!!!!! No tengo mas que palabras de agradecimiento a la Ferna por haber sido la persona que fue, pasamos noches de risas y momentos que se quedaran x siempre En mi corazon y En mi memoria!!!! Gracias x haberme recibido en ltu casa junto con Mitch, unforgettable moments!!!! Te quiero desde el ama y hasta siempre te voy a extranar!!!!!! Imposible poner En palabras lo que uno siente…. Te quiero tia querida y primos saben que aca tienen una casa donde parar!!!!! Los quiero. ..
– Vero Torino
I am just one of the many tennis players that lost to Fernanda! She had such determination on the court! Despite her winning record, I loved the challenge that Fernanda presented…with laughter, appreciation and kindness. I was so saddened to hear of her death. I will miss her.
– Jo Lindsay
A note of sympathy and love from our family. We met Fernanda through Camp Wawenock and it was always a delight to see her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers – Annemarie “Carmie” Heisler
– Annemarie Heisler
Fernanda was my teacher for many years at The Language Exchange in Portland. I will miss her laughter and sharp wit! She was an amazing teacher and person! Sadly, Cathie crute
– Catherine Crute
I will always cherish the fond memories I have of Fernanda – both as a former student and (more recently in life) as a colleague at Cheverus High School. I was especially lucky to be able to spend many days discussing literature and culture with her (especially as we sat around critiquing Jorge Luis Borges – a complex author from her native Argentina about whom we had an endless discourse.)
I will always remember her vibrant, compassionate, heart, her joyous laughter and the passion she inspired in all those who were fortunate to know her – even if only for a moment.
To her children and loved ones: I am truly, deeply, sorry for your loss and hope that you will – in time – know peace and comfort after experiencing such heartbreak. Her memory will live on in all of our hearts and her spirit will live on in everything you do.
I know how hard this loss can be, but remember that Fernanda’s fire burned powerfully and will burn brightly – always.
– Philip A. Rotolo
So so sorry to hear of Fernanda’s passing. I took several classes from her at the Language Exchange and she knew how to challenge without frustrating. I loved her amazing sense of humor, quick contagious laugh, and her talent as a teacher. I will miss spending time with her each week.
My sincere condolences to her family and friends. I know she will be sorely missed.
– Brenda Peluso
Hello Matt, Maria, and Cassie. Your mother was a very kind soul. Her smile radiates warmth and her eyes a beautiful kindness. We will always remember Fernanda with lots of love and a big heart.
Yvette, Dave, Jessica, and Olivia
– David Hoch
I’ll always remember walking around the Cheverus track with Fernanda at the beginning of this fall semester. After just a few minutes with her, I knew that she would be an honest, open-minded and supportive colleague in my new teaching career. Though our friendship had barely started, I feel as if I had lost a dear old friend. I believe I’ll always feel her spirit with us in our World Language quarter. And as a community board member of Maine Public, it’ll be my honor to make a contribution in Fernanda’s memory! Thank you! Peace.
– Connie Zhu