Mike Farrell Honors Wife Shelley Fabares in Heartfelt Post: ‘A Source of Love, Strength, Laughter’

M*A*S*H actor Mike Farrell just shared an emotional Instagram post honoring his late wife, Shelley Fabares.

The Donna Reed Show actress passed away at age 82 on Saturday, August 22. Farrell noted that she was “surrounded by those who loved her.” He continued, “To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort. She was a devoted wife, cherished stepmother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, family member, and loyal friend whose warmth, generosity, humor, and grace made an enduring difference in the lives of everyone who knew her.”

Farrell added, “To those closest to her, her greatest legacy was personal: the love she gave so freely, the friendships she treasured, and the family bonds she held dear.”

Along with celebrating his wife as a devoted member of their family, Farrell also praised her professionally, writing, “For millions, Shelley was a beloved actress whose work became part of the fabric of American television and film. From her memorable role as Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show, where she also launched a successful recording career with her number one hit, “Johnny Angel,” to her appearance opposite Elvis Presley in three films, her role on Coach, and her many other television and film performances, she brought talent, intelligence, and warmth to every performance.”

Fabares and Farrell tied the knot in 1984. The actor recently told Steve Kmetko (on the Still Here Hollywood Podcast), “My wife is just a dream. Just a dream. She’s a fabulous, wonderful, sweet…I tell her she’s the most beautiful woman in the world and I’m the luckiest man in the world.”

Farrell also revealed the beginning of their romance, talking candidly about seeing Fabares at a CBS affiliate dinner in 1980, “I looked across the room and there was this face I recognized and I walked over to her and I said, ‘Excuse me, I’d just like you to know that every time I see you I feel a little, I feel really good, and I feel a little calmer than I had been.’ And she said, ‘Oh Mike, that’s very sweet. Very nice of you.'”

As they were leaving the dinner, a cable car came by, and Farrell asked his future wife if she’d like to take a ride. At first, she turned him down, telling him that she was already in a relationship. But she eventually decided to join the M*A*S*H actor. Sparks flew, but the two parted ways. A few months later, Farrell invited her to a presentation he was giving. Fabres accepted, and the rest is history!