Dorothy Margaret Farschman's Obituary
Dorothy Margaret Farschman (nee Kokas) 87, of Elyria, passed away January 22, 2021 at University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center from complications of Covid-19. She was born July 19, 1933 in Lorain, where she lived most of her life.
She graduated from Lorain High School, Class of 1951-B and then attended Cleveland Institute of Art. On August 15, 1953 she married Fred William Farschman and they built a loving and devoted life together in Lorain, and attended the United Church of Christ. Dorothy embraced her role as a homemaker while her sons were growing up. She was a member of the PTA at Jane Lindsey School as well as a Den Mother of Cub Scout Troup 309. She transitioned into working full time as a secretary at the old Lorain City Hall during the 1970’s and then onto the new City Hall, working in the Service Department, Judicial Department and Clerk of Council. Dorothy’s zest for life was contagious, and it made her the life of the party wherever she was, especially at the many gatherings for the Lorain Yacht Club.
After retiring, she passionately took up golf at Oberlin Golf Club, where she was a 30+ year member, and served as president of the Women's Association. While a member, she not only had two Holes-in-One but was the Women’s Association Club Champ - twice. Her last win was in 2008 at the age of 75, which is when she retired her golf clubs and picked up a paint brush.
As a talented and avid artist, Dorothy was an active member of the Erie Shore Art League and Vermilion Arts Guild Gallery, where many of her paintings were on display. Watercolor and acrylic paintings were her specialty, and though she sold many pieces, she delighted in giving away her paintings to anyone in the family. Dorothy really enjoyed turning her paintings into greeting and birthday cards that she would send to friends and family. It was an honor to receive one of these beautiful cards with her loving and inspirational message. She had recently taken up the hobby of painting river rocks that she would place in nature for others to find. She painted over 500 Northeast Ohio Rocks that were eventually spread throughout all the USA (including Alaska) and Europe with the help of family and friends.
She and Fred traveled to Chiligon, Indonesia for almost a year where he was a consultant to their steel mill. Dorothy embraced the time getting to know the people, their culture, food, and beautiful country. She had a great time as they also traveled throughout the east visiting Java, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Bali and Maui. Dorothy relished the 18 years they spent as snowbirds in Florida, where they enjoyed the golf, sun, warm friendships, and her membership to the Destin Florida Snowbird Artists.
Dorothy was the devoted matriarch of the family, giving unconditional love and praise to every family member, and fiercely defending them whenever necessary. When needed, she always shared life lessons to help us (especially her five grandsons!). Dorothy, who was a joyful and fun person with a quick wit, loved to tell a good joke. She lived life to the fullest and was always thrilled whenever someone came to visit. She lovingly made sure everyone had something to eat. One of Dorothy’s greatest pleasures was to treat her sons and their wives to a meal at Chez Francois every year for a joint celebration of their wedding anniversaries.
Dorothy is survived by her husband of 67 years, Fred of Elyria, sons Fred (Valerie) of Amherst, and Eric (Susie) of LaGrange. As well as grandsons Kurt, Matt, Alex, Andy and Aaron, four step grandchildren: Michael, Scott, Ashley and Amy, one sister Donna (Ron) Baumert of Lorain, as well as four nieces and two nephews, three step great-grandchildren, and many grandnephews and grandnieces. She was preceded in death by her parents Margaret and Bert Kokas, sisters Marie Crook and Lillian Kokas, brother Bert Kokas. nephew Russell Crook, niece Heather Crook, and grandnephew Kyle Miller.
Dorothy’s greatest attribute was that she loved everyone, and anyone that knew her loved her back. Because of her love of others, she watched with the greatest satisfaction and relief as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were inaugurated into office. The family asks everyone to please wear a mask, as well as follow the other important guidelines to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. If Covid could take this strong angelic woman, it will take anyone.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Erie Shore Art League or Vermilion Arts Guild Gallery.
Private family funeral services were held at Ridge Hill Memorial Park under the direction of the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, Amherst, Ohio. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com. A Memorial Celebration of Dorothy’s Life is being planned for a time when it is safe to gather.
What’s your fondest memory of Dorothy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dorothy?
Share a story where Dorothy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dorothy you’ll never forget.
How did Dorothy make you smile?