Farmer, Loreen Gloria (Nee Zummo) Of South Milwaukee. Passed away very peacefully at home on Friday, October 7, 2011. Cherished wife of Phillip for 60 years. Best friend and delightful mother of her 6 beautiful children Shirley Marie (Ted), Joan Leslie (David), Susan Lynn (Sandy), Robert John (Maxine), John Francis (Kitty), and Phillip Anthony. Profoundly missed by her 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Loreen began her life on Vermont Street in East New York, in the borough of Brooklyn, on January 25, 1927,the youngest of three girls of Lora Neville and Salvator Zummo. She grew to adulthood as a true New Yorker in every sense: her mannerisms, sense of style, tongue-in-cheek humor, and of course, the once-you-have-it- you-never-lose-it "Brooklynese" tongue. She visited Miami Beach in the late 1940s, where she met her future husband who hailed from Wisconsin. She moved to the dairy state shortly after they met and became a Farmer's wife. Raising six children she adored, she grew to old age and imparted wisdom that only a city girl can understand, like keeping nylons in your purse and carrying a spare bag of quarters. We always knew our mom was distinct from the moms of our friends, and we sure were proud of it. Even as her life grew to an end, her quick comebacks and jokes did not, and she could make us laugh even as she was wrapping it up. Mom, there will not ever be a day that you will not be remembered by each of us.With your arms wrapped tightly around us we will carry your tenderness in our lives and each of us will march to our own drumbeat. You did so well, Mom, and you gave life your biggest and brightest smile. You were an adorable child, a beautiful teenager, a fascinating mother, and an engaging grandmother. Thank you, Mom, for the life you have lived. We will miss you beyond belief. In lieu of flowers, a small contribution can be sent in Loreen's name to the Missionaries of Charity, 54A, AJC Bose Road, Calcutta, India 700018. Visitation on Wed., Oct. 12 from 3:00PM-4:45PM at DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 800 Marquette Ave., South Milwaukee. Memorial Mass at 5:00PM.
Published in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on October 9, 2011
