August 5, 2007  

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  — Leona “Noni” M. Farmer, 96, formerly of 227 Flower Ave East, died Friday, August 3, at Samaritan Keep Home where she had been a resident.    

Born Nov. 1, 1910, in Watertown, the daughter of John and Ann Donnelly Farmer, she was the first woman to take medical courses at Queens University, Kingston, Ontario.  She was only allowed to audit the courses as women were not allowed to get an MD degree.  She received an Arts/Science degree in New York City during WWII.  She also met troop hospital trains at Grand Central Station during WWII. She was later invited back to join the medical staff and become a board member of the New York Queens Alumni. 

During her career she did medical research at the New York Academy of Medicine for Vicks Chemical, was assistant editor for Collier’s Encyclopedia, was editorial analyst for Women’s Home Companion, was research liaison assisting Dr. Rhodes, director of Sloan Kallering Cancer Research Center and Memorial Cancer Hospital, assisted in the organization of Walter Winchell’s Damon Rungor Cancer Fund, and did medical research for Time, Inc. Medical Column. 

She opened a Noni Farmer’s Town and Country Shop in Watertown, was chairman of women’s division of the Crescent Yacht Club in Chaumont, Chairman of the Volunteers of the Red Cross, and Chairman of the Infantile Paralysis Assoc. She was also in the College Women’s Club of Jefferson County, Inc. 

She assisted Mayor Ruble in bringing the Council of Arts, Metropolitan Opera, and the Syracuse Symphony to Watertown. 

She enjoyed her cottage at Tibbett’s Point, Cape Vincent.  

A sister Muriel Hatch died before her. 

A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 7, at the Trinity Episcopal Church, Watertown with the Reverend Clarke French officiating. 

Arrangements are with Cleveland Funeral Home, Watertown.

Information provided by Cleveland Funeral Home and Newzjunky.com, Watertown