Patricia Mary (Jensen) Farnham, 86 formerly of Sun City in Huntley and Sycamore, Illinois passed away Friday July 16th after a long illness in hospice care in Glenview, IL.
Pat was born January 4, 1935 in Freeport, IL to Joseph Roscoe Jensen and Stella (deMeester) Jensen of Lanark, IL. She attended Catholic grade school and graduated a year early from Freeport Aquin High School in 1953 and spent her early work years writing jingles for a local radio station. Around this same time, she met the love of her life Gilbert Roland Farnham, and continued to date him as he was away at college. They were united in marriage on August 24th, 1957 in Freeport, IL and soon began raising a family, living in Dekalb, Galesburg, Dixon, and Sycamore.
Pat studied secretarial skills and began working in the late 1970s for Northern Illinois University, where she spent over 25 years before retiring to part time work with the Nancy Watson real estate firm. Her hard work and dedication earned her high praise from NIU luminaries like Dr. Robert Brigham, Athletic Director and her boss for many years. At NIU, Pat was able to engage in one of her passions, Poetry, and she became an oft published poet, winning numerous awards. She also was a regular entrant in local flower arranging contests and a docent at the Barber Greene House museum.
Along with her husband Gilbert, over the years Pat was active in the Sun City Lions Club, Sun City Writers Club, Sycamore St. Mary’s Church, and in the eBay Power Sellers group, and numerous charities. Pat delighted in finding treasures at auctions and estate sales and listing them for sale online or at her antique boutique, or meeting with her friends to share her latest short story and keeping up with her growing family.
She loved travel, and met some fantastic friends on her voyages, notably when she and Gil went to the UK and Ireland for a few weeks to visit her family roots, and really loved her visits to her Son Michael and his wife out in Portland, and Tess during her time in St. Louis. Pat and Gil especially loved their time with all of their grandkids and great grandkids and looked forward to each and every visit.
Pat was preceded in death by her husband Gilbert and her sister Rosalind (Lynn), and is survived by children Tess Farnham of Dekalb, Illinois, Michael Farnham (Kathie) of Portland, Oregon, Julene Diaz (Michael) of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, and Mark Farnham (Heather) of Northbrook, Illinois and grandchildren David, Kristen, Kimberley, Alex, Connor, Hannah, Sophie, and Ben, and 7 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her youngest sister Maureen Boyer of Galveston, TX.
A private memorial for family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you perform an act of random kindness for a stranger. The world needs more everyday heroes.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Julie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences.
Pat and I retired from NIU about the same time. My husband and I used to play bridge with Pat and Gil many years ago in a couples group. I remember fondly seeing Pat in Lowden Hall when I worked on the third floor and she was on the first floor. She and I were in contact on Facebook a few times, and I will miss seeing her smile and hearing of her life. Pat, may you rest in peace and perhaps we will meet again someday.
My heart goes out to you, Tess, and Mike, Julie, Mark, and all of Pat's family and friends. I have memories of all of the family from way back, of course, and I remember Pat fondly. I know it helps to think of her at peace and reunited with Gil.
What a precious testimony to your Mom. She is beaming with pride at your literary skills in honoring her legacy. What Joy to share random acts of kindness in her Honor! A thousand Blessings of Comfort, Calm, Love, and Support knowing that everything exists in the Eternal Now. Mom and Dad are just a heart-conversation away in the One Infinite Creator's design.
Dear Tess, Mike, Julie, Mark and all of Pat's Fam. May God's light and God's love fill your heart and soul during this time of sadness, to comfort you in your sorrow, to give you peace, hope and strength for tomorrow.
We sincerely send our condolences and pray for all of you! Pat has for many years called me for prayers when there was a need for her family....how i miss those calls! When someone you love becomes a Memory, the Memory becomes a Treasure! Love you and God's rich Blessings to all! Hans&Gaby