Elsie Loretta Farmer

Elsie died peacefully on March 21st in Carmichael, California at the age of 100. She lived a wonderful and fulfilling life as wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend and will be dearly missed. Elsie was born in Covington, Kentucky on September 23, 1916, to Thomas and Mary Mulligan. She was the middle child of a very loving and close family with an older sister Lillian and younger brother Patrick. She treasured her Irish heritage.

Before she was married Elsie was employed by the Civil Service Commission in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1947, Elsie married the love of her life, Jerry Farmer, and together they raised 7 children and created a home of unconditional love, support and peace. In 1956 she moved to Riverside, California, then to Fresno in 1960 and finally to Sacramento in 1994 after the passing of her husband Jerry. Elsie is survived by six of her eight children: Jerry Farmer (Angeles), Metairie, Louisiana, Michael Farmer (Kato), Aptos, California, Mary Kay Lapham (Steve), Gold River, California, John Farmer, Sacramento, California, Tom Farmer (Tina), El Dorado Hills, California and Patrick Farmer, (Jana) Fresno, California. A son Daniel died in an automobile accident at the age of 24 in 1978 and she had a still-born son, Phillip, in 1949. Elsie loved her grandchildren: Kaelin, Ryan, Kevin (Jill), Joshua, Laura, Lauren and Brian. She was proud of each of them for their individuality and caring nature.

Elsie's life was grounded in her Catholic faith. In her early years, she was installed as a member of the Legion of Mary in 1942 and as a member in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society in 1979 and continued to be involved in church activities. She prayed the rosary daily and for many years rose at 6:00 a.m. to walk a mile to attend daily Mass. She was loving, caring, non-judgmental, kind and humble. She was the epitome of God's love.

Elsie also knew how to have fun and was never without a smile on her sweet face. She was always ready to celebrate a birthday or share a wonderful meal with family and friends. She was a fabulous cook and loved experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes. She was a positive and joyful person, always looking on the bright side and remaining hopeful. Even in her advanced years when her health was failing and life challenging, she was still interested in people and their lives. She had a fantastic memory for all aspects of her long life and could remember details as if they were yesterday. Some of her fondest memories were of her old Kentucky home and the wonderful relatives and friends whom she loved so much. Her nieces Katie Darpel, Mary Mastin and Joann Kettenacker were like little sisters to her and she remained very close to them and their families throughout her life.

Elsie leaves a legacy of faith, humility, respect for all and unconditional love. It is through her life that her children, grandchildren, loved ones and friends have the opportunity to keep the integrity of her life alive by living her example. Elsie and the family were so appreciative of the care and attention she received over the past three years at the Only Love Elder Care home. They were always kind and respectful towards her and we thank the staff and owners.

A visitation and rosary will be held on Thursday, March 30th at the Lombard Funeral Home located at 1550 Fulton Avenue, Sacramento, CA from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. with the rosary starting at 7:00 p.m. followed by a Funeral Mass on Friday, March 31st at 11:00 at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish located at 4123 Robertson Avenue, Sacramento, CA. There will be a reception at the church. The graveside burial will take place at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Fresno, CA on Saturday, April 1st at 1:00 p.m.