Catherine Farris' Obituary
Catherine “Cathy” Farris passed away on May 11, 2019 after a short illness. She was born 99 years ago to Arthur and Marie Yinger in Baltimore Maryland. After her father’s early death, she was lovingly raised by her stepfather, James Gleason. She attended Catonsville High School where she was in the starting line up of 2 state championship basketball teams and 1 state championship field ball team.
After high school she worked as her high school’s secretary. Later she married Walter Farnandis and had her 2 oldest children, Anita and Walter. Walter passed away in 1988. She pursued her love of numbers by working as a bookkeeper for various financial institutions in Baltimore.
In 1957 Cathy married Lowell Farris and began her Navy adventures. They lived in Hawaii and then were stationed in San Diego. They had 2 children, LeNeve “Lyn” and Lowell.
When Lowell retired from the navy, they decided to stay in beautiful San Diego. Cathy and Lowell shared a love of adventure and travel, were active in the Comanche Flying Club and were well known at Montgomery Field.
A resident of Sierra Mesa for over 50 years. Cathy was well known in the community. She was president of Chesterton PTA and volunteered for National Little League. Eventually, she was hired by San Diego Unified School District and ended her career as head of the classified employees’ payroll department. She was an avid bunko player and had maintained many friendships from her early days in Sierra Mesa.
She is survived by her children, Anita Wilcox, LeNeve Mantta, Lowell Farris, Mircea Mantta and Susan Farnandis; 9 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and her brother, James Gleason as well as many nieces and nephews.
“Mom was a blessing in everyone’s life.”
Memorial Service will be on July 26, 2019 at 11:30am at the pavilion located at the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
Contribution honoring Cathy can be made to her favorite charity The Braille institute of San Diego 4555 Executive Dr San Diego, CA 92121 or to your favorite charity
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