Marie Eve Takla

Born in Strasbourg, France, she was raised in the Alsace region. Her family moved several times as WWII battles raged around them in occupied territory. As the eldest, she had to scoop water from an upstairs tub, with a bucket, to take to the occupying enemy soldiers. A shell hit the bathroom wall and broke her arm as she slept, leaving a scar on her arm. After the war she began a lifelong wanderlust in Egypt as a nurse's aide where she cared for and comforted ailing children. There, she met her first husband, Gamil Takla, MD, after tripping on the grand staircase and falling into his arms as he rounded the corner. They lived for many years in the UK and the Middle East. They soon emigrated to the U.S., first Denver, Colo., then Portland, Ore., where the greenery reminded her of Alsace. There, they raised three children over 19 years together. They both enjoyed dancing and cut a mean waltz, always to the enjoyment of onlookers.

After divorce, she earned her nursing degree and worked as an RN at both Good Samaritan and Emanuel hospitals in Portland. Soon after, she met Neil Farnham at the Multnomah Athletic Club. They both enjoyed travel, cycling, sailing and family time. They married in Kona, Hawaii, on the beach, and returned there annually for one month, in the winter. They retired in Redmond, Ore., in a home designed by Neil, and enjoyed the marmots, mountain views and magpies on the dry canyon. It's here they entertained their children and friends with all that Central Oregon has to offer.

She attained the certification of Master Gardener and left enduring gardens wherever she lived. An expert seamstress, she created beautiful dresses, shirts, baby booties/caps, suits and pants. She could repair any clothing and encouraged all to bring her their torn goods. Few things felt as good as wearing a homemade shirt by "Mami" to grade school; they were beautiful and gave us pride.

She spoke five languages and approached life with a fiery intensity and passion. She could complete any boxed puzzle put before her and won almost every backgammon match, no mercy for the grandkids. She cooked/prepared delicacies from many cultures including her famed Alsatian meat pie, apple custard torte, lemon poppy seed cake, Persian chocolate sandwich cookies, bircher muesli and unbelievable Egyptian mulukhiyah and dolmas. There isn't a Takla-Farnham grandchild that didn't come screaming to greet her at the door to see, and eat, the famously fresh poppy seed cake she baked with love.

Her greatest trait, however, was her ability to give to others. Whether it was your relationships or clothes that needed mending, "Mami" could help fix them. She loved to feed her extended family on any given night and always made sure there were Thanksgiving and Christmas meals/gatherings with gifts. In her later years she was unstoppable when the time came to set or clean the meal table. She put others before herself, whether as a mother, grandmother, wife, friend or RN. She was a strong advocate for children and was known for her commitment in Deschutes County as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for neglected children. She was a site team volunteer for Cycle Oregon for many years in support of her beloved Neil. Her later years came with the joy of time with her grandchildren. She guided all her family in the ways of the world, gave unconditional love, passed on the wanderlust and taught them how to be prepared for all that may come, good and bad. She leaves a lasting, positive impact on those around her and is terribly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husbands; her son, Phillip; and stepson, Evan.

She is survived by her children, Shadya (Steve), Victor (Kimberly); stepchildren, Tom (Lorena), Gwen, Will (Julie),Hugh; grandchildren, Adam, Ethan, Noah, Sophia; and stepchildren, Tanner, Henry, Natalie, Alex, Maya, Joel and Neil Jr.

Donations/remembrances may be made to Deschutes CASA, The American Cancer Society, the Dove Lewis animal hospital or any charity of donor's choice.

A memorial will be held at 2 p.m., Aug. 4, 2023, at the Mausoleum wall at Finley-Sunset Hills Memorial Park with reception to follow at Finley-Sunset Hills