Catherine Ann Farmer passed on to the arms of God at Munson Hospital in Traverse City, Michigan on May 27, 2021. Cathy lived her life as an energetic, enthusiastic and beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and exceptional health care professional. She was known for her laugh, intelligence, warmth, and welcoming attitude toward everyone she met.
The first child of Joseph Irwin Farmer and Nilah May Farmer, Cathy was born in Dayton Ohio on October 20, 1948. The Farmer family soon grew with the birth of her brothers Robert and William, and together the happy family settled in Birmigham Michigan. Cathy attended Groves High School, where she took great joy in her studies. Cathy loved the frequent family visits with her extended family in Ohio and Illinois.
After earning her nursing degree from the Mercy School of Nursing in Detroit, Cathy embarked on a remarkable career as a Registered Nurse. Cathy served with the Visiting Nurses Association in the Detroit area, Sinai Hospital of Detroit, and Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital. The Gerber Alley Company in Georgia recognized her exceptional knowledge, experience and skills in communication and health care, and hired Cathy to serve as a healthcare information systems specialist. Cathy moved to Georgia in 1989. Subsequently Cathy blossomed as a clinical consultant with the McKesson Corporation. Cathy immersed herself in Georgia's rich arts, music and cultural scene, and relished the warm friendship of her many dear friends.
From her childhood and on into adulthood, Cathy and her family enjoyed summers at their cottage on Elk Lake, and Cathy's laughter could be heard far and wide, resounding from the raft out on the lake, and around flickering bonfires on warm summer nights. Her energy, good nature and infectious humor seemed boundless, matched only by her compassion for others, and her love of children. Over the years, Cathy gathered a colorful bouquet of dear friends that she carried with her throughout her life.
With her retirement in 2015, Cathy moved back to Michigan, to Elk Rapids where she cherished the life she lived with her best friend, her mother Nilah. Cathy served as a Sunday school teacher and deacon with the First Presbyterian Church of Elk Rapids. Cathy had a deep Christian faith which percolated unassumingly yet sincerely in her every encounter.
A memorial service for both Cathy and her mother Nilah, who died on June 19, 2020, will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday June 26, 2021 at the First Presbyterian Church of Elk Rapids, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial donations you would like to the First Presbyterian Church of Elk Rapids, Michigan.
In the words of Catherine Ann Farmer, "Have a Blessed Day".
