Mary Jane Farr

Mary, please call me Jane, Farr was born January 20, 1925 in Beaver Township, Ohio, to John Calvin and Eva Ioda. Jane was the youngest daughter of six children. She is preceded in death by her siblings Calvin, Ioda, Thelma, May, and younger brother, Wayne.

A child of the Great Depression and from a working farm, Jane learned the lessons of frugality and hard work. These were values that Jane carried throughout her life. The Second World War found Jane working in an arms factory to support the American effort.

After the war, Jane attended Kent State University. While a student at Kent, she met her husband, Ray. Ray and Jane fell in love, married and eventually settled in Garfield Heights in a home where Jane would spend the next 71 years of her life. Ray and Jane were fruitful and bore five children: Janet (Thomas dec.), Miriam (Tony), Ray (Cindy), Homer (Annee dec.), and George (Sue). Jane was gifted with eight grandchildren: James (Madeline), Eric (Jaz), Charles, Heather (Kip), Amanda, Katherine, Emily, and Erica (Joe). Jane‘s family further expanded with great-grandchildren: Carter, Victoria and Catherine.

Widowed in 1968, Jane found herself thrust into the role of both parent and sole provider. Calling back to the hard-working ethos of her youth, Jane returned to school. Initially at Cuyahoga Community College, and finishing at Ursuline College, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education.

Head Start was Jane‘s eventual landing spot for a career. She served as Director of WSEM Head Start until her eventual retirement. Her hands were rarely idle even in retirement, and she filled her days with cooking, canning, baking, embroidery and a ceaseless desire to learn. She was an avid reader, and most that knew her have a collection of cards and letters that she diligently wrote.

Jane’s life was long and full of joys and challenges. She witnessed many world and personal tragedies, but never stopped looking forward with a positive attitude. Her end was at home, surrounded by family, loved, beside a window where she had reverently observed 71 years of birds and flowers.

Mary Jane Farr (nee Filler) the beloved wife of the late Ray H. Farr.   She was the dear mother of Jan Wilkens (The late Tom), Mimi Felice (Tony), Ray D. Farr (Cindy), Homer Farr (the late Annee) and George Farr (Sue); she was the dear grandmother of James (Madeleine), Eric (Jaz), Charles, Heather (Kip), Amanda, Katherine, Emily, and Erica (Joe) and the dear great-grandmother of Carter, Victoria and Catherine. 

The family prefers that those who wish make contributions in her name to Step Forward Head Start
1801 Superior Ave. Suite #400
Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 7^th at 1pm in Plymouth Church of Shaker Heights, 2860 Coventry Road, 44120.