Q:

How to gracefully decline your own farewell party?

I have quit my job due to various reasons, including office politics and overall inadequate reasons. 
Because of this I am not interested in having a farewell party or celebration for my leaving.
How can I gracefully say "no" to this sort of event?

A:

Funerals aren't about the person who is dead. That person is already dead and they're unlikely to get any deader.
Similarly going away parties, or farewell parties, aren't all about the person going away. They are about preserving connections and showing that there are 'no hard feelings'. 
To you your quitting may be intended as a statement against what you perceive as a bad environment. But your coworkers and peers may not see it like that. To snub a farewell party isn't a way of 'sticking it' to the company. It's snubbing those peers and coworkers. You can, of course, do this. You're free to burn as many bridges as you like on your way out. But don't delude yourself, that is what you are doing - Burning bridges. And not only the bridges of those who you disagree with, but with many if not all of your coworkers. 
To decide to do something like this you should ask yourself:

Is there no one at the company you respect?
What are the chances you will run into these people again?
Will you need any of them as a reference? Will you work with them in another situation?

If the answer to all of these is some variety of 'nope' or you just don't care then just simply state "I'm sorry I won't have time to attend a farewell party." There's absolutely no benefit in you attempting to explain the politics behind why(that will salt the earth after you burn those bridges) so I would keep the refusal short and simple.

A:

How can I gracefully say "no" to this sort of event?

It would really be awkward to decline such an event after it has already been planned, and folks have already accepted an invitation.
Therefore, you should try to contact the person who is most likely to arrange such a party beforehand, and let them know you would rather not have one at all. I assume not everyone at your company receives a farewell party anyway.
Something like this might work: "I'd really rather not have a farewell party. While I appreciate everyone's thoughtfulness, it would be very uncomfortable for me. I hope you will understand and respect my feelings."

A:

I'm about to retire after 8 yrs here, and have told bosses I refuse any sort of farewell party. I have no reason other than my personal inability to be in the spotlight for any reason. It is far too uncomfortable for me, and at age 67, am not likely to change soon. I've learned to avoid the spotlight my whole life, and am perfectly comfortable with that.  
I do plan to go around the office and visit briefly with various individuals so to at least be polite and say goodbye, and maybe will send a few individual emails. That's it. No party, thank you. I also assured boss that no 'surprise' party would work, either, as I simply would not attend. I think he got the msg. 
I see nothing wrong with this. There was no party when I got here and I don't need one when I leave. 

