BORN

1922

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Mary Farnsworth Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 14, 2017.

Matthew 25:23- “Well done, good and faithful servant.” You will be missed by all.



Mary Louise Auler Farnsworth, born in St. Louis, Missouri on September 19, 1922, age 94, passed away at her daughter’s home on May 12, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her spouse, Harold Pratt Farnsworth and her parents, Alphonse Auler and Louise LeBrecht Auler. She is survived by her nine children; Dianne Maroney (Pat) of Kansas City, KS, Jackie Shreves (Bruce) of New Orleans, Bob Farnsworth (Pam) of Metairie, Sharon Hartley (Bryce) of Atlanta, GA, Susan Yenni of New Orleans, Maryann Faulkner (Jack) of Metairie, Pat Farnsworth of Metairie, Debbie Buckhaults (Joe) of Metairie, and Missy Gensler of Metairie and her sister Patty Auler Bahre of St. Louis; twenty-seven grandchildren, twenty-eight great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.



Mary Lou, as she was called, graduated as valedictorian from St. Joseph’s Academy in St. Louis. Her future husband, H. Pratt Farnsworth, was serving as a pilot in the US Army Air Corps and was visiting St. Louis with a fellow serviceman who introduced him to Mary Lou. In 1942, after a six-week courtship, Mary Lou married the love of her life, H. Pratt Farnsworth, and they celebrated their 65th Anniversary three months before Pratt died in 2008.



After completing his service in the Air Corps, Pratt and Mary Lou returned to Pratt’s hometown, New Orleans where they raised their nine children. Mary Lou, a devout Catholic, was extremely active in the church, starting at St. Pius X in New Orleans and in later years, Mary Queen of Peace in Mandeville. She received the Order of St. Louis Medallion in recognition of her church ministry and dedication to helping incarcerated women.



Mary Lou was never without a dog, which was usually one that either showed up at her door or that she rescued from the streets. As a member of the “Bottoms Up Club she and her friends spent many weekends gardening on their hands and knees transforming the Ave Maria Retreat House into an inviting oasis.



Mary Lou loved to entertain. She and Pratt hosted many parties over the years both at their Stilt St. home and their home in Mandeville. Mary Lou and Pratt both loved to snow ski, and continued to take road trips to their favorite skiing destination in Winter Park, CO well into their 80s.



In addition to raising 9 children, Mary Lou was also a successful real estate agent for over 30 years, beginning her career at Stan Weber & Associates in New Orleans and then later as a Re-Max agent in Mandeville.



Special thanks to her devoted caretaker, Iris Simmons, who has become a member of our extended family. Special thanks also to Pearline Lathan who spent her weekends caring for Ms. Mary. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation and the Funeral Mass at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL. 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. (in Metairie Cemetery) on Saturday, May 20. Visitation will be at 9:00 AM followed by a Mass at 11AM. Interment will follow at Metairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the LA-SPCA, 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124. To sign and view the Family Guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Farnsworth

Sponsored by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries.

What is your first memory of Mary?

Share a favorite memory you have of Mary.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Mary.

Describe a time when Mary made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Mary?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Mary.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Mary.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Mary.

What is something you learned from Mary?

Not sure what to say?

May 25, 2017

April Rotolo

Susan,

So sorry to hear about the death of your Mom. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

May 23, 2017

Stephen Bartlett

Maryann, was so sorry to hear about your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

May 23, 2017

Dear Farnsworth Family,
My condolences on losing your lovely mother. She and my mother, Mary Urian Griesedieck, were long time friends and my parents were in your parents' wedding.
I had a memorable dinner with your parents when we visited my brother who was attending Tulane. And when he was in the hospital with pneumonia, your sweet mother visited him almost daily.
Mary died this last Christmas but I know she and Mary Lou were in touch until about 5 years ago and Mom loved talking to her old pal on the phone.
Both of your parents were gracious, generous and charming people and I hope your memories sustain in the time of mourning.

Cate Griesedieck

May 21, 2017

The Fountain Family

Our prayers are with the family during this difficult time. Many fond memories in Lake Vista! Beautiful family with so much love!
The Fountain Family

May 21, 2017

Michael & Karen McGrath

So sorry for your loss. Marylou reminded me in many ways of Merce and grandma. With their visits to Chicago, we all got to know Pratt and Marylou over the years. We still have the dog Tally that we loaned to Merce after Neal died. Marylou loved this dog and wanted to steal her. Tally will be joining the heavenly crowd soon. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you be comforted that she had a long, full life.

May 20, 2017

Tara Toca

Rachael and Susie
I have always enjoyed hearing the stories of your lively family gatherings and the love story of Marylou and Pratt. You have been a part of a very special family indeed. Cherish the memories. My heart is with you both. Love you, Tara Toca

May 19, 2017

Edward Boasberg

May 19, 2017

What a beautiful obituary. Monica and I send our deepest sympathy to the entire family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Eve and Monica.

May 19, 2017

Sorry for your lost may the God who comforts all comforts all the family at this difficult time. Phillipians 4:6&7.

May 19, 2017

Everett Collins

Dianne... I was so sorry to read of your Mother's passing. She (and your Dad) was always so nice to me when we were teenagers and dating back then. I'm sure she's at peace now and reunited with your Dad. I really enjoyed talking to you last year when you were in town - if you would like to continue 'catching up' with me please feel free to email me at [email protected] or phone 833-3216 (land line). Take care.

May 19, 2017

Neal & Nancy McGrath

If the true measure of one's life is the people whose lives you have touched and who have loved you in return, Mary Lou was like no one else. Few of us will touch as many as she did and be loved so deeply by so many. Love you, Aunt Mary Lou!

May 18, 2017

Sharon Bostwick

Debbie and all the family, your mother was certainly an "original, 1 of a kind lady" She did have a long and fulfilling life, a lovely family, she will be missed dearly. My deepest sympathy at this time of loss, she is remembered in my prayers,

May 18, 2017

My deepest condolences to all of you. Mary Lou and Pratt were dear friends and through the years we met many of you, her lovely family. What a joy you were to her. She will be missed by all. Love, Dot Richard

May 18, 2017

Sallie Arnoult

Your mother was such a gracious and charming woman. Y'all were blessed with wonderful parents. My deepest sympathy for your loss. May God bless you and keep you in his care!

May 18, 2017

Jeanne Arnoult

Pat and Lauren, I'm so sorry. I do have amazing memories of not only Mrs. Marylou, but of all the Farnsworths!

May 17, 2017

Maryann, My condolences for the loss of your mom. She sertenley had a long and forfilling life.
Sincerely, Roy St. Paul

May 17, 2017

My deepest condolences to the family.
May the God of compassion, console
your grieving heart during the
loss of your precious beloved
one.
May the family forever cherish the
fondest memories shared together.
During the challenging days ahead,
may the God of loving kindness,
give you the needed strength to
endure.
My sincere and heartfelt prayers
are with you.
(Psalms 121)

TE, New Orleans, Louisiana

May 17, 2017

Steve

My deepest sympathy to the Farnsworth family for your loss. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6,7

May 16, 2017

Pam Wiegand

Jackie, Sonny and I send our condolences to you. So hard to lose your mom. What an accomplished lady she was. And you so resemble your beautiful mom. With love and prayers.

May 16, 2017

Caroline Sobolewski

What a beautiful obituary and life she has led. Maryann and Megan, you and your entire family will be in our thoughts and prayers this week. Love you!

May 16, 2017

Jane West

Bob and Pam...Warren and I send prayers and love to you and your family...so sorry to read of your mother's death..We think of you often with fondness.. much love, jane and Warren

May 16, 2017

Dee Coleman

Jackie,
Your Mom sounds like such a "special" person.
You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time...
Love, Dee

May 16, 2017

G. G.

To the Farnsworth family, you have my deepest condolences. I hope knowing that you're in the thoughts and prayers of many bring a measure of comfort. We look forward to the time when all things that cause sickness and death will be eradicated by God's Kingdom. - Matthew 6:9-10

May 16, 2017

So sorry to hear about the death of your sweet Mom . She will be greatly missed by your family . Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Grief doesn't last forever Memories do . I know u have lots of those .
Barbara Batt Claiborne

May 15, 2017

Joan Kilburn Nauman

Where to begin to thank you for the wonderful memories that I have being the "10th" child. I was blessed to be included on family trips, parties, and sleepovers throughout my childhood. I have learned and grown so much from Mrs. Farnsworth. I admire her faith, her energy, and her love tor her spouse and children,. I have adored her for over 50 years now and I thank God that she had a wonderful life. I thank God that she is with her love of her life, Mr. Farnsworth and with her beautiful granddaughter, Catherine. Heaven is rejoicing! I love you, I miss you, I adore you. All of my love always, Mrs. Farnsworth. Love, Joanie

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Make a Donation
in Mary Farnsworth's name

Memorial Events
for Mary Farnsworth

May

20

Visitation

9:00 a.m.

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124

May

20

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124

May

20

Interment

Metairie Cemetery

LA

Funeral services provided by:

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124

How to support Mary's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Mary Farnsworth's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more