Lynn Farmer

With a warm heart and a welcoming smile, Lynn Farmer lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. Often, the light in the room, Lynn inspired joy, happiness, and positivity. She was level-headed, open-minded, and led with her heart in all things. Never one to meet a stranger, Lynn's magnetism meant that wherever she went, she made friends easily. In Lynn's good company, every joy was amplified, and every sorrow softened. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Lynn will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

The mobilization of war efforts in 1942 was quick and effective, with carmakers and other manufacturers changing to the production of weapons of war. Gas rationing, Scrap Days, and Victory Gardens became the norm. At the same time, the Declaration of the United Nations, the newly formed Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, and the Voice of America assured that every citizen had their eyes focused on a better future. Nowhere was there more hope for the future than in the hearts and home of Andrew and Orra (Dodge) Papa, as they welcomed their daughter, Lynn Maria, into their family on April 21 at their family home in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Lynn grew up on the northeast side of Grand Rapids near Easttown. In addition to her older sister and brother, who were more than ten years older than her, Lynn also had a younger sister closer to her age. The family's membership at St. Thomas Catholic Church was the firm foundation of Lynn's faith, which also grew during her years as a student at St. Thomas Catholic School.

As a child, Lynn enjoyed having lots of friends, both girls and boys, and loved playing outdoors, riding her bike, and roller-skating. She also loved playing with dolls and her dollhouse. Lynn's older sister was an excellent seamstress who made clothes for Lynn's dolls. Lynn enjoyed many summer adventures at her parents' cottage on Myers Lake. Around age 8, Lynn met Suzie Vaughn, who became her lifelong friend. The two spent a lot of time together through the years, sharing many adventures, including going to movies together as kids, standing in each other's weddings, and even living near each other for over 60 years.

During her teens, Lynn attended Catholic Central High School, enjoyed an active social life, and attended dances at the armory. A significant event during these years was a trip to Chicago with her sister, during which she was forever changed by witnessing all the activity and shopping in the big city. Years later, she made it an annual trip, often around the holidays, stopping at the outlets on the way, exploring downtown decorations, and visiting Crate and Barrel.

While in high school, Lynn first met her future husband, Richard Farmer, who also attended Catholic Central. The two began dating and stayed in touch while he was in the Army, racking up some big long-distance phone bills. In December of 1962, as Richard was preparing to leave for Korea, he managed to get some extra leave time, and they wed at St. Alphonsus Church on December 22.

While Richard was overseas, Lynn continued living with her parents and working for the telephone company as an Information Operator. Lynn was a hard worker who knew the value of a dollar. With discipline and planning, she used this time to save money and buy some furniture for their future together.

Upon Richard's return to the United States, Lynn joined him in Georgia for ten months as he finished his service. It was there that the family grew to include their son, Steve. Once Richard's service was complete, the family returned to Grand Rapids and lived in an apartment for a while. In 1967, their son Scott was born, completing their family.

Eventually, Lynn and Richard learned of some desirable property on the Northwest side of Grand Rapids. With Lynn's collection of ideas for their future home and her organizing skills, they decided to build. In May of 1969, the family moved into their house, where Lynn and Richard would live the rest of their lives together.

As a full-time mom, Lynn was ideal, very kid-oriented. Her boys say they couldn't have scripted a better mother. From her attention to detail to her ways of disciplining, it all worked beautifully. She kept a meticulously clean, highly organized home where everything had its place, and she encouraged responsibility by making the boys pay a quarter each day they didn't make their beds. Lynn also found ways to entertain the boys, taking many trips to the North Shore Beach in Muskegon during the summers, attending pool parties at her friends', and enjoying a neighborhood full of kids. As their house was on the corner, there was always a lot of activity to partake in.

A good cook, Lynn collected many favorite recipes, including oven-fried chicken and her parents' spaghetti and meatballs recipe. She loved to bake, and there were lots of sweet treats to enjoy, especially during the holidays when she would whip up her famous cookies. As a young couple, Lynn and Richard had several friends, and with their properly managed finances, going out to eat was a special occasion they enjoyed a time or two each year. Lynn loved to travel and loved Disney World, particularly the princess themes and classic rides in the Magic Kingdom. The family made many trips there over the years, and Lynn and Richard even celebrated their 50th anniversary there. In addition to the trips to Chicago, Lynn convinced Richard to go to Mexico a few times with friends. She also enjoyed taking bus trips and visiting great destinations like Savannah, Georgia, Missouri, and Las Vegas. She particularly liked attending shows and anything Cirque du Soleil.

Always eager to share her time and talents in the service of others, Lynn, along with Richard, was always involved in their St. James Church community. For a time, Lynn worked as a Community Education Coordinator, encouraging people to earn their GEDs. Lynn was a generous card and note writer. From timely greetings, acknowledging special occasions, and expressing sincere gratitude, to lovingly written notes of encouragement, Lynn's thoughtful sentiments and beautiful penmanship touched and inspired many recipients, reminding them they were cared for and appreciated.

Lynn was also a wonderful grandparent. She loved and treasured her grandsons and was especially pleased to welcome a granddaughter! The grandkids spent a lot of time at the house with her, and she would take them on special trips to the zoo or museum, where she bought them bricks during the renovation projects. Lynn and Richard called themselves the "grandkid groupies," in honor of the joyful following of their grandkids' activities, cheering them on at every turn, and packing in as much as they could.

In 2025, Lynn required seven hospital visits, and the last few months were very difficult. With her family's support, she was able to pass away in the comforts of her beloved home. As we celebrate Lynn's beautiful life, may we find comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying her legacy of faith, hope, and love forward. In every moment we choose faith over fear, to lead with our hearts, freely share our time and talents in support of others, cheer on our loved ones' endeavors, make a favorite family recipe, enjoy magical Disney moments, attend a live show, or share an adventure with our beloved, we keep Lynn's memory alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Lynn Maria (Papa) Farmer, born April 21, 1942, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on January 8, 2026.

Married to Richard James Farmer, her devoted husband of 63 years, Lynn and Richard built a life centered on family, love, and the steady presence that made home feel like home.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Farmer; her sister Andrea (Dr. George) Sugiyama; brother Ted (Donna) Stressman; her sons, Scott Farmer (Teresa) and Steve Farmer (Kathy); and her grandchildren, Kyle Farmer, Kevin Farmer (Allison), Samantha Farmer, Drew Farmer (Savanna Fisher), CJ Farmer (Nadia) and great-grandchildren, Jack and Henry; as well as her best friend since being 8 years old, Susanne Popma.

Lynn was preceded in death by her sister, JoAnne (George) Davis.

Services will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 11 AM at the Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit, 2230 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends are invited to visit with her family at the church beginning at 10 AM and during the luncheon that will follow. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation are appreciated. To read more about Lynn, to share a memory or photo, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com