Elsa Marie Farris

Elsa Marie Farris was born in Stockton, CA. She was the daughter of Lebanese immigrants from the village of Serhel, Lebanon. She graduated from Saint Mary’s High School, then entered the Sisters of the Holy Family Convent in San Francisco. Before taking her final vows Elsa felt strongly that God wanted her to have children, and so she left the convent.

The day she arrived home, she met a coworker her sister had invited to dinner, Albert Farris, Jr., who would become Elsa's future husband. A few months later they were married and moved to Sacramento. They had five children before Albert died of ALS at age 32. Elsa moved the family to Stockton, raising the children with the help of her family.

Elsa loved music and sang in many choirs, including Stockton Chorale, Sunflower, St. Luke's Church Choir, Wednesday Morning Musicale, and Lakeview Assembly. She had a beautiful coloratura soprano voice. Elsa worked most of her life for Pacific Bell from which she retired in 1991. Afterwards she worked part time for San Joaquin County and UOP.

The main interest in Elsa's life was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she babysat, took out for fun adventures, taught to roll grape leaves, and supported in their many activities. Elsa was famous for stopping strangers on the street to say hello to their babies.

Elsa showed kindness and generosity to everyone she met. She had a fabulous sense of humor that could lighten any difficult situation. In her final days she was constantly surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, a testament to the love she gave and that was reciprocated by her family and friends. We will miss her laughter and kindness. Her family feels incredibly blessed to have had her with us for 92 beautiful years.

Elsa is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, as well as her husband, Albert, her son Tom, and her son-in-law Donnie Moore. She is survived by her children: Annamarie Root (Bryan), (Cindy (Monty) Moore-Zorb, Al (Pam) Farris, Paul (Stephanie) Farris, and daughter-in-law Ruth Ann Farris. Grandchildren: El and Lily Root; Brooke Moore, Anna (Cody) Moore-Harstad, DJ (Ashlynn) Moore; Will (Rita) Farris, Jimmy Farris, Matt (Shauna) Farris, Bethany (Nick) Craven, Rob Farris, David (Suzanne) Farris; Jennifer (Chris) Delao, and Alex (Leila) Farris. Great-grandchildren: Diana and Zoey Farris; Emma Farris; Grayson Farris; Nick and Madison Craven; Charlie and Oliver Farris.

Services will be at DeYoung Memorial Chapel at 601 N. California Street, Stockton, 95202.

Viewing Times: Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1st from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Memorial Service: Sunday, December 1st at 2:00 pm.