Juliana J. Farthing

TRAVERSE CITY — Juliana "Judy" Farthing passed away peacefully on July 30, 2014. For nearly a century Judy passionately considered every single day of her life to be a special blessing. She celebrated each day with gratitude, faith and optimism and lived life with dignity, grace and generosity. Judy will be most remembered for her radiant, positive spirit, happy disposition and her extraordinary fortitude.
Born April 12, 1915, in Maple City, Judy was the daughter of the late Louis and Mary (Surdyk) Petroskey. She was the tenth child of 12 children. Judy considered being from a large family and growing up surrounded by the delights of a beautiful rural area to be among her greatest riches. She and her family had a deep appreciation for the joys of nature and they respected the infinite valuable lessons of happiness and integrity taught to them in the wonderful environment chosen by their beloved parents.
Eloquent words of poetry, describing enchanting areas similar to those in Judy's youth, forever found a special place in her heart. She quoted Shakespeare, "Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones and good in everything," and Alfred Tennyson, "The woods were filled so full with song, there seemed no room for sense of wrong."
In 1934 near the end of the Great Depression, Judy left Traverse City to join her older sisters in Flint to work during the accelerated pace preparing for World War II. Judy remembered living through the challenges of severe rationing and shortages, however, she always recalled the prevailing sense of patriotism and extraordinarily good times people shared, despite that financially compromised era.
While in Flint Judy met Ernest "Bud" Farthing, whom she married in October 1938.
Northern Michigan always beckoned Judy and in 1947 she and Bud established a business in Traverse City that enabled Judy to utilize many of her creative and business skills. Together Bud and Judy worked very hard at their job and supported their community in any way that they could.
Judy was a faithful, longtime member of Saint Francis Catholic Church. She and Bud supported St. Francis Church and all of the Catholic school system developments. Judy was a member of the St. Francis Altar Society and Funeral Luncheon Committee. She also utilized every opportunity she had to generously put her heart and soul into doing kind things for others. She always represented the epitome of goodness.
Judy had a remarkable inner strength and constitution. She had unconditional love for and loyalty to all of her family. Judy felt blessed to have a very large extended family and many dear friends who meant the world to her. She felt boundless gratitude to have so many people visit and remain in close contact with her, especially after she was no longer able to write her treasured wonderful letters to them. Judy had hoped to continue a series of Christmas letters that related to younger generations some of her favorite childhood memories of growing up with her family.
Judy was a source of unwavering support and wisdom, always a good listener with an admirable personal code of ethics and discretion that ensured she never divulged a confidence. She also had an aversion to speaking negatively. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Judy knew she could make them see the brightest side of any situation when they received her encouraging words. People appreciated Judy's quick wit and remarkable sense of humor. Judy was an advocate of health and peace of mind. She consistently spoke of the futility of worrying. Her motto for life was "be cheerful, have hope and always have faith." Judy was grateful for the gift of her genetic predisposition for strength, excellent health and longevity. She lived life with a self-sacrificing consideration for others.
Judy always advocated the important tool of education. After high school she was self-educated and was always very knowledgeable about local and world issues, economies and leaders. She also had a keen intuition that enabled her to avert traumatic circumstances for many people.
She had many interests and hobbies. Judy always felt working in her beautiful flower garden fed her soul, as did reading, particularly poetry. She was a very gifted and creative seamstress, played the piano and other musical instruments by ear and enjoyed various needlework. Judy enjoyed fun gatherings, but she enjoyed listening to others more than doing the talking. She often explained, with a smile, "If I do the talking I don't learn as much!"
Judy was a gracious and generous hostess who created a welcoming home for family and friends. She was always glad to share the best of whatever she had because she knew what it was like to have very little. The only things Judy did not share were her problems or complaints. Judy always believed that the greatest riches in life are free, therefore, she always felt rich. Naturally she knew how to enrich the lives of others. Family gatherings were forever an unparalleled joy for Judy and she thrived on preparing for occasions that created wonderful memories. Anyone who was fortunate enough to have the experience of eating some of Judy's delectable desserts, especially her pies, never forgot how unsurpassed they were in the "delicious" department.
Left to honor Judy's legacy of love and kindness are her devoted daughters, Pamela (John) Stanek and Rosemarie "Teed" (Daniel) Carroll, both of Traverse City; grandchildren, John Stanek and Aynsley (Matthew) Born, of Traverse City; along with many loved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Judy was preceded in death by her husband in 1996. She was also predeceased by her parents; three brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Genevieve Petroskey, Frank and Elizabeth Petroskey, Louis and Dorothy Petroskey; an infant brother, Philip Petroskey; seven sisters and five brothers-in-law, Margaret and Leslie Tallman, Rosella Coughran, Katherine and Al Tallman, Frances and Leonard Dipley, Sally and Dick Bates, Ann Hicks and Helen and Elmont Case. Judy also grieved the loss of many loved nieces, nephews and friends.
Judy's family is grateful to the members of the staff at the Grand Traverse Pavilions who tenderly cared for and loved Judy while she resided there.
Visitation for Juliana will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. with a rosary recitation at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2014, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Thursday, Aug. 7, at 11 a.m., at St. Francis Catholic Church, where family will arrive one hour prior. Burial will take place at Oakwood Catholic Cemetery.
In remembrance of Judy, memorials may be directed to St. Francis Catholic Church.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Judy's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
Arrangements for the family have been entrusted to Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.