Joan Farmer

Joan E. Farmer (nee Evers), age 93, formerly of Anderson Twp., passed away, November 6, 2024. She was the beloved wife of the late James E. "Gene" Farmer Sr., devoted mother of Jim (Terri), Joe (Margie), John (Carolyn), Jeff (Holly), and Jay (Kristen) Farmer, loving grandmother of Matt, Jessica, Alyssa, Emily, Bethany, Luke, Elizabeth, Zach, Sam, Laurel, Nick, Julie, Andy, Evelyn, Jake, Brooke, and Kenleigh, caring great-grandmother of April and Zander, and dear sister of the late Joseph & John (Twins), Paul, Herman, Clare, Carl, Ruth, Margaret, Miriam, Vincent, Gerard, and Charles.

Joan grew up in the Bond Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati, the youngest in a large Catholic family. She lost her father at age 4, and so her brothers and sisters (and her) learned to pitch in and help support the family from a young age. Despite the family's financial hardships, she lived a happy childhood since there was a wealth of joy and love in her family. They were often found singing together to pass the time, coming up with parodies amidst much laughter. Joan attended Mt. Notre Dame Academy high school and was a supporter of her alma mater through the years. She met her husband Gene after high school and the two were married in 1957. They had 5 sons, and as a loving mother Joan took the lead in forming the boys in the faith and supporting their various interests and activities. Joan cared for her dying mother in her childhood home, with 4 boys underfoot, and a husband who was seriously injured in a bus accident. She would later be a source of comfort and support to her siblings and their families and many others as they experienced trials and suffering and loss. She hosted many family gatherings and organized the annual Evers family reunion for many years. She was known to frequently send cards with personal notes of support to all her friends and family, whether the occasion was happy or sad, and prayed her rosary for the intentions of many.

Joan was active with the Cub Scouts and served as a den mother to all her sons. She also served as president of the Forest Hills Instrumental Music Association when her sons were music students.

When her boys were older, in addition to her family responsibilities, Joan started a new career working for several area businesses as a bookkeeper. When she retired, she was responsible for managing accounting and payroll at Shebesta Inc. 

Joan was a devout Catholic, and loved singing in the choir with her sister Clare and was a cantor as well. She was always singing a little song to herself, as witnessed by the many care givers at the Lodge Nursing home. Everyone noted how sweet her disposition was. With the same care that she gave her sons, Joan made time for each of her grandchildren and was present for as many celebrations, sports events, and accomplishments that time would allow. No accomplishment was too small to celebrate. In her later years, she and Gene could be found every Tuesday at the local LaRosa’s, sharing spaghetti and a glass of wine. 

Joan spent the last 4 years of her life in nursing care and was surrounded by family in her final hours. We are most grateful for the care that she was given by The Lodge Nursing home and Hospice of Cincinnati.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Friday, November 22nd at 10 am where friends may visit from 9 am until time of Mass. If desired, memorials may be directed to either Immaculate Heart of Mary Church or the American Heart Association.