Margaret Lucille Farris, age 84, died surrounded by her children, at Lifecare Center in Ritzville on Tuesday, December 21, 2010. Born January 6, 1926 in Tacoma, Washington to Robert and Signe Bown, she attended Roosevelt High School in Seattle and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Washington in 1952, earning her degree in Elementary Education. She married Edsel Samuel Farris on March 21, 1953, and was by his side when he passed away Oct 10, 2008. She is survived by children Jim Farris (Kay Arthur), Phillip Farris, and Margaret Anne Farris (Richard Funge), grandchildren Jessica, Joshua, and Megan, and great-grandchildren Alesha, Joleesha and Kennedy.

Margaret followed her father and grandfather in choosing education as her profession; she taught 5th and 6th grade on Vashon Island for 15 years where she is fondly remembered by colleagues and students alike. Upon her retirement Margaret was active in the NEA, the local Democratic Party, and worked for several years at Granny’s Attic, a second hand store that supports the Vashon Island Health Clinic. She and husband Edsel were active in Elder Hostel and Friendship Force for many years. They traveled the world and developed lifelong friendships by staying with local families and, in return, welcoming families from abroad into their home on Vashon.

Margaret loved to read and garden. She kept secret (only later shared with her daughter) the locations of wild blackberry patches that yielded the best jam. She was passionate about genealogy and music; both she and Edsel sang with the Island Madrigals and local church choirs. Margaret easily made friends wherever she went with her ready smile and eyes full of love. Her gentle sense of humor, her intellect, and her graceful dignity will be missed by all who knew her.

The Farris family is grateful to the staff at Lifecare Center in Ritzville for their loving care of both Margaret and Edsel during their last chapters of life.

Please share stories, memories and remembrances about Margaret and Edsel by visiting danekasfuneralhome.org. Donations to Vashon Health Clinic in lieu of flowers.

Please join Margaret’s family, friends and former students for an informal memorial celebration of her life on Sunday, January 16th, from 2 to 5 pm at Sound Food on Vashon Island, WA. We will be sharing stories and memories starting about 3 pm. Food and drink provided.