Jane S. Farnham

Jane S. Farnham, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, passed gently into eternity Friday, Sept. 16, 2016.

Born Nov. 13, 1922, in Midland, Jane was the fifth of eight children of John and Belle (Murphy) Sinclair. Jane cherished her family above all else. She was preceded in death by her parents; her four brothers, Bill, Dick, Joe and Tom Sinclair; her sister, Helen MacCutcheon; and countless beloved in-laws.

Jane married Cayley Landis in 1947, and moved to East Lansing, where they had two children. After Cayley's death, she returned to Midland with her two young daughters in tow. Jane married Earl Farnham June 21, 1957, and promptly adopted his son, Scott. Jane spent the rest of her life enjoying the love of family and the comforts of Midland. Jane's large extended family provided her with endless entertaining opportunities. Her ice cream socials were especially memorable. Jane's tender heart could be felt by all who knew her. In other words, Jane was and always will be irreplaceable.

Left to mourn her loss are Jane's three children, Scott Farnham (very special daughter-in-law, Jo), Laurie Roberts, Kathleen Novello (and Jane's gambling partner and son-in-law, Joe Novello). Jane is also survived by her two sisters, Maryanne Dreyer and Shirley Snider; as well as brother-in-law, Jim Dreyer; and sister-in-law, Roberta Sinclair.

Jane cast a large shadow of love on her grandchildren, and was known to sneak $20 bills into their hands when nobody was looking. Her grandchildren, Jon and Jen Novello, Rachel and Brent White, Matthew and Dariss Novello and Zachary and April Roberts, have been the light of Jane's life. They have also graced her with 10 beautiful great-grandchildren. Their beloved "GG" will live in their hearts forever.

Jane has requested that everyone grab a gallon of ice cream, tell a good, clean joke (preferably Irish) and celebrate with your loved ones.

Contributions in Jane's name to The Toni & Trish Hospice House in Auburn would be a lovely way for us to keep Jane's memory alive.

Our family will never forget the quiet heroes of Toni & Trish, who devote their lives to gently ushering souls through their final journey with such dignity and dedication.