As the family of Mary Anne Diemer Farris ’46 wondered what they could do to celebrate the life of their mother, who passed away in 2011, they reflected on who she was and what she valued. She was a selfless woman who had a deep love for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, and they wanted to capture her spirit.
Farris was the recipient of the 1970 Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Medal, honoring Farris as an alumna demonstrating similar purpose, devotion, community vitality and leadership possessed by the College’s foundress. Farris led a selfless life, abiding by her motto that shaped her life — God first, then family, then others and then self.
Her family wanted to find a way to honor her and commemorate her love for SMWC. Her son, Marc Farris, reflected, “We talked about it for three or four years, and then we thought about doing something to honor our mother at the place that she loved, The Woods.”
They decided to create The Mary Anne Diemer Farris ’46 Endowed Scholarship to be awarded annually to a student at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Marc commented on his mother’s love for the College, “Her time at The Woods helped her create friendships that lasted a lifetime and helped form how she lived her life. We wanted to honor her by giving back to current and future students at SMWC. It was the right place to continue her legacy.”
The Farris family is relatively large, and according to Marc, the idea of the scholarship was accepted by the family quickly, knowing her love for the College. “We want students to know about my mother and her traits of strength, her determination and values, and others above self.”
The family donors include:
- William P. and Susan Farris
- Marc Farris
- David J. and Shannon Farris
- Lisa Farris Cummins
- Amy Farris and James Schwarz
- Robb G. Farris
- Scott T. and Stephanie Farris
- Julie Farris ’86 and Eric Hofmeister
When Mary passed away, many notes came to the family from friends and acquaintances to express what she meant to them. One message said, “I never knew what unconditional love was until I met Mrs. Farris.” Another noted, “She was one-of-a-kind and impacted so many and supported, even more, when no one else did,” and “What an incredible legacy she leaves behind.”
Her daughter, Julie Farris Hofmeister ’86, understood her mother’s love for The Woods as much as anyone. “The Woods meant everything to her. She always said that you immediately felt the overwhelming love and a sense of peace when you drove through the gates. That it was really home,” said Hofmeister.
Catherine Saunders ’98, associate vice president for advancement, said she was moved when she was contacted about establishing the scholarship. “For her family to want to do this several years after her passing is a very thoughtful way to celebrate her legacy at The Woods,” said Saunders. “This will ensure that she is remembered at SMWC in perpetuity and will continue to impact the lives of others.”
The family of Mary is excited a student attending SMWC starting in August 2022 will be the first recipient of the scholarship.