of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Ann Arbor
Ellen Farr, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at the age of 87 at Chelsea Retirement Community. Born June 25, 1937, in Lapeer, Michigan, Ellen was the cherished daughter of Henry L. and Elizabeth F. (Brown) Purdy.
Ellen grew up in Rochester, Michigan, graduating from Rochester High School in 1955. She attended Albion College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in home economics, a subject she later taught at Milford Junior High School. It was at Albion that Ellen met James Farr, the love of her life. They married on August 23, 1959, in Rochester, Michigan, and shared a deep bond that endured for more than 65 years.
Ellen devoted herself completely to creating a warm and loving home for her family. Her children cherish memories of the countless ways Ellen showed her love, from driving them to hundreds of swim and music lessons, sewing their dress clothes, never missing their music or sporting events, and making favorite childhood meals even when they visited as adults. She delighted in each of her 8 grandchildren and loved reading, baking, sewing, and watching Tigers games with them.
Ellen was a passionate and skilled duplicate bridge player, achieving life master status. She was actively involved with the Ann Arbor Women’s City Club, where she was a highly sought-after bridge partner and teacher, served as president of the Bridge Club, and made many, many lasting friendships. Ellen also loved genealogy, and she compiled family history dating back centuries for her and Jim’s ancestors.
Many of Ellen’s happiest times were spent with Jim and the family at their lake cottage in East Tawas, where she loved to walk along the shore, pick blueberries, fish for bluegill, watch birds, and look for freighters on the horizon.
Ellen is survived by her loving and beloved husband, Jim, and their children: Jonathan (Kathleen Hackett) Farr of Birmingham, Alabama; Elizabeth (David) Bradley of Rochester, Minnesota; and Stephen (Jean LeMay) Farr of Saline, Michigan. She is also survived by her devoted and loving sister, Margaret Frelander of Grand Blanc, as well as her beloved grandchildren: Arden and Quinn Farr, William and Katherine Bradley, and Ryan, Brady, Liam, and Eliza Farr. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister.
Ellen’s kindness, devotion, and quick wit will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her family is grateful for the loving care she received at Chelsea Retirement Community’s Towsley Village, especially from Sarah Podlewski, Anthony Anderson, and Melissa Schuster, and from Our Family Friend caregivers. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
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