Mildred “Mimi” Farra
Mildred “Mimi” Farra, 84, of Aliquippa, PA, passed away on September 15, 2023. She was born on October 11, 1938, in Columbus, MS, to the late Noble Boyd Armstrong and Marylou Jones Armstrong. Mimi’s educational journey began in Alpine, TX. She completed high school by correspondence when her family moved to Vietnam, where her father worked for the Department of State’s Education Initiative. There, she showed her aptitude for picking up languages by learning French and basic Vietnamese. Mimi earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music from North Texas State College, and was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study Opera in Vienna, Austria. She received her Masters from the New England Conservatory of Music and then became a Voice teacher at Texas Tech and Carleton College.
During the summer of 1969, Mimi joined with members of the Church of the Redeemer in Houston, TX and founded ‘The Way In’ coffeehouse. Mimi returned to Carleton College for a final year before moving to Houston and joining the community and ministry of the Church of the Redeemer. Over time this evolved into the Community of Celebration whose common life included stints in Coventry, England; the Isle of Cumbrae in Scotland; and Aliquippa, PA. Mimi’s lifelong membership in the Community of Celebration allowed her to use her many gifts to enrich the community and exemplify the love of Christ.
Mimi cherished her role as a wife and mother. She and Bill were married in Coventry Cathedral in 1973, and together they created a life filled with hospitality, constancy, and a deep appreciation for music. In addition to her teaching, composing, and performing, she helped create more than 40 recordings and songbooks in the Community of Celebration. Mimi will be remembered for her immense talent, her dedication to her community, and her unwavering faith. She leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Mimi is survived by her beloved husband, Bill Farra of Aliquippa, PA; her sister, Kathleen Thomerson of Austin, TX; her brother, Noble Boyd Armstrong, Jr. of Houston, TX; her son, Graham (Jen) Farra of St. Louis, MO; her daughter, Michelle (Chris) Guzie of Beaver, PA; and her grandchildren – Owen, Margaret, Carmen, and Theodore Farra and Dominic and Samantha Guzie.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research.
4 thoughts on “Mildred “Mimi” Farra”
Mimi had a real gift for music and I’ll always remember her leading the worship at Celebration. She is now leading a heavenly chorus of Angels and still praising God.
I was privileged to travel some with the music outreach ministry. Mimi was always an inspiration to me and those who were there as she shared her gifts. Straightforward in answering questions and most gracious to all.
I am blessed to have known her and been loved by her. You have reached you final goal. Go with God.
I will always remember you Mimi, with love.
I was privileged to enjoy Mimi’s music and song while she resided in the Redeemer community in Houston. Always with a smile that lit up the room. We will all be reunited in God’s “community” that will have no end.
My sincere condolences to her family and friends.