Mary Miller Farley

Mary Ann Miller Farley passed away with her husband and daughter by her side, on Thursday, January 4, 2018, in Racine, Wisconsin.

She was born March 2, 1931, in Racine, WI, to Mary Elizabeth “Dolly” Middlecoff Miller, of Duluth, MI, and Bernard “Bernie” Henry Miller, of Racine, WI, co-founder and co-owner of Miller Bros. Insurance Company. (The original family business in Racine was The Miller Shoe Company.)

Mary was the youngest of four, with three older brothers, all now deceased: G. Thomas Miller, J. Robert Miller, and G. William “Buddy” Miller. Mary grew up at 15th and College Avenue, and then on North Bay Drive, in Racine. She attended Winslow Elementary School, Franklin Junior High School and Park High School. She went to the University of Wisconsin – Madison for several years before working for Western Publishing Co. of Racine, Wi and subsequently for Cunard Cruise Lines, in Chicago, IL.

Mary met Raymond F. Farley, in Racine, WI, while he was working for SC Johnson. They were married on November 27, 1954, and then moved to Cleveland for Ray’s job. There she worked for United Airlines. They moved back to Racine for a short time, had their daughter, then moved to Tokyo, Japan in 1963, again for Ray’s job. Back to Racine in 1968, Mary was a dedicated and active volunteer with the Junior League and at the Prairie School, and was also on several boards: The Racine Zoological Society, St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary Board, and Northwestern University’s Women’s Board. Mary was a huge animal lover and was particularly proud of her work at the Racine Zoo. Mary was an accomplished golfer; she was a 3-time Women’s Golf Champion at the Racine Country Club, in 1975, 1976 and again in 1992.

Mary is survived by her husband, Ray, her daughter, Gwen Farley (Jason) Green of Chicago, IL, and two grandchildren, Alexander Green (19) and Amanda Green (17). Mary is also survived by her sister-in-law, Helen O’Connor of Pelham, AL and first cousin Patricia “Patsy” Miller Murphy of Racine; nieces Linda Miller of Minocqua, WI, Susan Miller of Redondo Beach, CA, Julie Miller (Matt) Barootian of Racine; and nephews Mark (Betsy) Miller of Racine, Craig (Carol) Miller of Glendale, AZ, Todd (Kathie) Miller of Racine; Brian (Anita) Miller of Racine; Gordon (Karel) Miller of Vancouver, B.C., Canada; Stephen (Ilnam) Miller of Colorado Springs, CO; Scott Miller of Racine; Ted (Trish) Miller of Franklin, WI, and their children and grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, her first cousin Corinne McCauley, and nephew Andrew Miller.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 9, 2018, 11:30 A.M. at the Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Varghese officiating and visitation for family and friends will be from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at 11:30 A.M. Private entombment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Highway 32.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial gifts to: The Racine Zoological Society (2131 N. Main Street, Racine, WI 53402); or, The Prairie School (4050 Lighthouse Drive, Racine, WI 53402).