Donna Farrier

Donna Farrier

Our Mom was a lunch lady. But she wasn't the kind you may be thinking of. She wasn't the scowling kind - an ancient hairdo in a hairnet, bedazzled with horned rims, complete with a raspy grunt accompanying each glob that fell from her spoon. No. Mom was a soft, inviting kind of lunch lady. She had a smile that gave you a hug.

A friend mentioned that she thought our mom was one of the sweetest people alive. That was surprising to hear! I mean, we knew that: we just didn't know other people did. But of course we thought she was the sweetest of all the moms. She was our Mom! She took her role seriously, too. She gave everything for us, our betterment, our survival.

Mom was born in and grew up in Mattoon, Illinois, one of the many middle children in a family trying to get by. When she was an adult, cooking for other folk's kids meant that she could be sure we never experienced any form of the scarcity she had had. Mom and dad made sure we wanted for nothing as kids. They worked their fingers to the bone providing so that we could become who we are today. And we are so very grateful for that.

As is often the case with strong women who fight ferociously for their own, Mom's accomplishments live on primarily not through any fame, or fortune, but through her children. How our parents thought about education, discipline, and self-control was never unclear for us. And we, their children, got the message. Mother is survived by her three children (Shawn Constant, Leann McPike, and Joshua Farrier) - all college-educated, every one a teacher.

Donna Farrier was born in 1942, and she was not known for mincing words. This is a part of her that many found admirable. The household of Dennis Farrier and Donna Farrier and their three children was not one devoid of opinions. It is hard not to know what our opinions are. Just ask us.

Her wit must have also been genetic, too. Mom's jokes were so dry your mouth could start to feel parched afterward. Her deadpan delivery could catch you of guard. Her timing and delivery often elicited a guffaw, the laughter bounding out of your throat uncontrollably. She would smile so sweetly when she made people laugh.

Turns out, mom, we like jokes, too. And good food, prepared well. And warm hugs, and lively discussions, and holding the young-ins. And we all three love Jesus like you did; we are elated (and a bit jealous) that you have met Him by now.

We like lots of stuff she liked, and we do lots of things like she did. Our mother passed in Monticello, Illinois, to be with God, but she lives here still with us, too: in what she taught us, in what she showed us, and in the very fiber of who we are.

But now she is away, and we will all long for the day we are reunited in Heaven. She will wait for our arrival, and probably get up to doing some cooking while she does.

I hope Jesus likes chicken and noodles.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Friends Creek Cemetery, Argenta, Illinois. There will be no visitation. The family has entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Argenta, Illinois with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family encourages donations to a wonderful local organization that feeds the hungry:

The Good Samaritan Inn

920 N. Union ST.

Decatur, Illinois 62522

(217) 429-1455

https://www.goodsamaritaninn.org/donate

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com