Sister Margaret Richard Farrant

Sister Margaret Richard Farrant died on October 15, 2023, and was buried at Saint Joseph Villa on October 23, 2023. The Depression was just ending when Geraldine Agnes Farrant was born. Perhaps the generosity of the people of St. Anne’s Parish in Philadelphia influenced the Farrant family, for three of their five children entered religious life. Two girls committed to the SSJ community, and one boy became an ordained priest. The remaining brother married and had eight children. These nieces and nephews had a deep love for and devotion to Aunt Gerry. Marge’s ministerial life began in St. Andrew’s, Drexel Hill. From there she moved on to St. Helena’s, St. Hugh’s, the Cathedral, back to St. Andrew’s, and on to St. Patrick’s, St. Robert’s, and then to St. Helena’s, Bellefonte, where she served as principal.

In 1985, Marge was assigned to St. Kevin’s in Springfield, where she stayed for thirty-five years. For her first years, Marge served in the classroom, then she asked the pastor if she could transfer to becoming the parish secretary where she remained for fifteen more years. With great delight, the pastor agreed. St. Kevin’s became Marge’s Camelot experience. In this capacity, she greeted all who entered the office with a beaming smile and the ubiquitous, “Hon.” In the summer of 2018, Marge took a fall that led her to the Villa for rehab. Once there, she knew that this would be her true home. Always connected to St. Kevin’s through visits from generous parishioners and faithful friends, Marge enjoyed her final days in Flourtown. At her funeral liturgy, Father John Moloney, pastor at St. Kevin’s, shared many memories of Marge. From her fidelity to her family to her love of solitaire. The liturgy was enhanced by the music ministers from St. Kevin’s. “Our Lady of Knock” raised the spirits of Marge’s grieving family and friends. As the homily concluded, Father Maloney shared one last memory. At the end of each Friday afternoon, Marge would say, “Start the car,” indicating that this week’s duties were completed, and it was time to move into a time of peace and rest. Start the car, Marge, and drive into Paradise where the Farrant family and your heavenly Father await you with open arms. Rest in peace, Marge. You will be missed.