1948
2019
Margaret Anne Farmer
- - Margaret Anne Farmer (Margie), 70, passed away on Christmas Day, 2018. She was born August 26, 1948, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Her parents, Barbara Towne Boynton Farmer and Garland Sewell Farmer, were missionaries for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). As a result, Margaret lived a rich life with her family, in Puerto Rico, Indianapolis, Belgium, the Belgian Congo (later the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and California.
An injury at birth left Margaret with challenges in life, but those who knew her enjoyed her humor and benefitted from her love. Margaret's niece, nephews, and great nephews were often the focus of her attention.
Margaret loved all animals, was passionate about cats, and was a cat owner most of her life. That love of cats gave her a common interest she could share with others. She struggled with school and in social settings; however, with the guidance her parents gave her, she pursued her passions, teaching her two younger sisters about the world which fascinated her. In caring for Margaret, the family learned of the difficulties facing those with disabilities, such as social acceptance, as well as the availability and limits of resources.
At the age of 11, while living in Belgium, Margaret learned about World War II. She began taking an interest in biographies. The family visited the home where Anne Frank was hidden, and the stories of the struggles of war and its aftermath became a passion of hers which continued throughout her life. She read the books of Ruth Gruber with great interest as well as biographies of the Roosevelts and of Churchill. She also took great interest in Amelia Earhart and followed developments in the search for answers to the mystery of her disappearance.
Margaret loved soap operas and movie stars. She followed her favorite shows and stars in magazines. Her favorite movie was "The Staircase," and a highlight in her later life was traveling to the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, NM, to see the staircase which was featured in the movie. Her favorite actor was William Peterson, a star of the movie. Her DVD and book collections were extensive. Margaret enjoyed cooking, and even when she could no longer cook, her family benefitted from her desire to have them try new recipes she found in books and magazines. Margaret worked as a service worker, primarily in nursing homes. She volunteered at the Irvington Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library and at her church, Downey Avenue Christian Church, Indianapolis.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her sisters, Christine Clarke (Michael) of Menlo Park, CA, Louise Uota (Alan) of Davis, CA, her nephews and niece, Brian Clarke of Heidelberg, Germany, Jeffrey Clarke (Emma Wendt) of Ann Arbor, MI, Catherine Clarke Peterson (Brian) of Columbus, OH, and Ryan Uota of San Francisco, CA. She is also survived by her great nephews Niels of Heidelberg, Oren of Ann Arbor, and Benji of Columbus.
A private memorial is planned for Saturday, January 26, 2019, in Woodland, CA. Memorial gifts may be made to the ASPCA through aspca.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Love and prayers to Chris and Louise and their families. Margie was a gentle soul who lived her life to the fullest. She was fortunate to have a kind family to support her through the joys and trials of her life. Carol Cottom
Carol Cottom
January 22, 2019
I took Margaret to work one Sunday after church when she shared with me that she would be moving to CA with her parents. She boldly told me that I should buy their home in Irvington - and within a very short time - I put an offer in on the Farmer home and I have lived in this home for 23 1/2 years. I will always be grateful for that day that Margaret planted the seed for home. I worked with her parents via DOM as well as attended church at Downey Ave. CC with Margaret and her dear parents. I worked at Juliette Fowler in Dallas, Tx and was the social worker for Margaret's grandmother. I am sending much care and love to the family with whom I have had a very long and meaningful connection. Peace be with you all - and thank you for caring so wonderfully for Margaret through the years. ~Barb Weatherspoon
Barbara Weatherspoon
January 22, 2019
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