Helen M. Flanders Farmer

Helen Mary Flanders Farmer, 98, died peacefully at her home in Erie, PA on Tuesday evening January 24, 2012 with family by her side. Our mother had a full and interesting life.

Born in Ottawa, Canada December 28, 1913, she was the daughter of William and Jenny Flanders. She grew up in Tupper Lake, NY & graduated Valedictorian of her high school class in 1932. She went on to St. Lawrence University on a NY Regents Scholarship. During her school breaks she waited tables at several of the large hotels in Lake Placid, including the 1932 Winter Olympics.

Helen came to St. Vincent's Hospital in Erie as one of the first on-staff dietician, following her internship at Fordham University Hospital in New York City.

In 1938, she married Robert W. Farmer, her high school sweetheart in Niagara Falls, NY.

She is lovingly remembered by her two sons, William Tucker Farmer (Michelle) of Palatine, IL and Robert Joseph Farmer of Ukiah, California, three grandchildren Carrie, Mike and Will Jr. and eight great grandchildren.

For approximately (20) years, Mrs. Farmer rented her (7) apartments at 2nd & Sassafras Street to many Gannon College students and young couples getting their start in Erie. She was also a member of the Erie County Historical Society and a leader in the restoration of the Anthony Wayne blockhouse near the Soldiers & Sailors Home.

During her sons' school years, she was very active in scouting and Cathedral Prep fundraisers.

Her main interests were in the education of and in advancing the social skills of her family, collecting antiques and lamps to decorate her home, picnics at Presque Isle St. Park, and travel trips across the U.S.A. and Canada including each summer to Tupper Lake, Saranac, and Lake Placid NY to visit relatives.

For many years, she and her husband Bob hosted family members and friends at their Tupper Lake summer residence on Racquette Pond. While there, she was instrumental in getting the Village to dedicate the A.B. Flanders Park on Martin Street in honor of her uncle, who owned a well known lumber finishing mill at that location. She was very proud of her Tupper Lake and Irish roots and is well remembered for her spunk and determination.

Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Road, on Friday February 3rd from 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Catholic Church on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.. A funeral luncheon will follow, in her honor, at the Siebenbuerger Club.

Burial will be at the Holy Name Cemetery in Tupper Lake/Faust, NY at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Patrick's Parish Food Pantry, 130 East 4th St., Erie, 16507

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