Atty. Lolita Farmer OAM died 7 December Thursday at Westmead Hospital after a short illness.
She passed away peacefully surrounded by family.
Atty Farmer had just celebrated her 84th birthday. last November 2017.
The venerable Atty Farmer OAM a pillar of the Filipino community in Australia took over the presidency of the Philippine Fiesta Kultura two years, but easily regarded for many years as brilliant legal counsel of the organisation.
The Philippine Fiesta Kultura, easily the largest single event and multicultural gathering every year in the Southern hemisphere will celebrate its 30th year next year.
Octogenarian Mrs Farmer OAM took the helm of the Philippine Australian Sports and Culture (PASC),Inc. two years ago after being a patient lieutenant for many years of pevious PASC president Mr Manny Castillo OAM who resigned two years ago.
Mrs Farmer or “Lolita” to many long-time associates in the Philippines community and colleagues in NSW-based multicultural community was untiring and always have something in her plate in the service of the community..
For the last two years, Mrs Farmer had been deeply involved in reinvigorating the Miss Philippines-Australia beauty pageant as another non-profit brand alongside Fiesta Kultura.
During this year’s Fiesta Kultura, PASC President Lolita Farmer told the thousands of Fiesta devotees and enthusiasts, “In any language, welcome to the empowering gathering of the 29th Fiesta Kultura, the largest and biggest Filipino Australian event in the whole of Australia.”
She said Fiesta Kultura is a time for thanksgiving and travel to the wonders of the world, meet the diverse peoples and be aware of the rich cultural heritage that enriches many to have fun and respect and build peace together.
A holy mass is scheduled at 11 am Friday 15 December at St Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta. Internment follows at Castlebrook Memorial Park, Windsor Road, Rouse Hill.
The family of Mrs Farmer said in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Diabetes Australia, Westmead Hospital Renal Department and St Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta, as wished by the late community leader.