May 25, 1956 - November 25, 2017

Anna M Farina, age 61, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 25, 2017 surrounded by loved ones while attending a wedding celebration in the redwood forest of Navarro, CA. She graced the Downey community for nearly 30 years. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on May 25, 1956, she emigrated to the United States in 1981 and settled in Downey in 1988. Her five children grew up through the Downey Unified School District and two of which have returned to teach in the district.

She was not only a mother to her five surviving children but also a mother to anyone in need of comfort, compassion, or generosity. Every Thanksgiving, her home would play host to others who were displaced or otherwise did not have a place to call home. A breast cancer survivor, she will be remembered as a vibrant woman who shared love, compassion, humor, and wisdom with the World.

Anna took the most joy and purpose in being a mother and a Nana to her eight grandchildren. She enjoyed entertaining them with puppet shows, crafting, creating impromptu stories and songs, and singing Argentinean nursery rhymes.

The morning of her last day on Earth, while practicing yoga for one of the first times with some wedding guests, she asked to share some of what life has taught her. “Life will bring on challenges, but don’t let your heart harden. My wish for you is to keep your hearts soft. Keep them soft and light.” She was, and continues to be a beautiful reminder to LOVE without limits.

Anna leaves behind her 5 children: Pablo, Franky, Danny, Michelle, & Stephanie; 8 grandchildren; sister Andrea Bernal; mother Candida Rosa Ahumada; 6 nieces, 4 nephews, and the countless others who called her their second mother.

For those who were touched by Anna’s life, the family will be holding a public memorial service in her honor on December 16th at 11am at First Baptist Church of Downey.

The family has set up a gofundme page to assist with expenses related to the memorial service. www.gofundme.com/inmemorialofAnnaFarina