Gertrude Miriam Farlow

Gertrude Farlow lived with a gracious but determined spirit for 96 years until her death on September 29 at IU Health Hospice House in Bloomington IN.

Born Kertuud Miriam Luostari on March 28, l916, in Ishpeming MI, she was the daughter of Finnish immigrants Nels and Wilhelmiina Hyytiainen Luostari. She attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette MI, before graduating from St. Marys Hospital School of Nursing in Rochester MN, where she worked under the Mayo brothers at the Mayo Clinic. She then earned another degree in nursing from University of Chicago and taught anatomy and chemistry to nursing students at Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati OH.

She met James Joseph Farlow on a blind date in Cincinnati, and they married in Miami Beach FL, on Jan 2, 1945. After Farlow was discharged from the military, he brought her to his home in Paoli, where he practiced law and they raised their family.

Always proud of her Finnish heritage, Gertrude spent most summers visiting family and the small lakefront camp her parents built in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Although a tough Finn, she had a soft spot in her heart for animals, especially stray cats that she fed, even though she might name them “Cat” or “Trouble.” An avid reader, one of the last notes she wrote to herself was a reminder: “Return library books. Get more.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Ero and Hugo Luostari, and her husband, who died in 1981.

She is survived by her daughters Janet Farlow Perry of Paoli and Melissa Farlow and son-in-law Randy Olson of Sewickley PA; grandchildren Charles Farlow Perry and his wife Deanna of Gainesville FL and Rebecca Farlow Reilly Perry of Memphis TN, and several nieces and nephews.

A member of Paoli Friends Meeting, Gertrude was also active in Tri Kappa for 66 years. She supported the Paoli Public Library and the Orange County Community Foundation. A volunteer for many organizations including March of Dimes and Red Cross, she served as a “pink lady” when Orange County Hospital opened and continued to volunteer there for many years. She was also a scout leader and a member of Eastern Star and several bridge clubs.

Following a private funeral service, friends of Gertrude are invited to an open house at her home from 1 to 4 pm Sunday, October14. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Farlow-Miller or Friends of the Library funds at the Orange County Community Foundation or the IU Health Hospice House in Bloomington.

Dillman-Scott Funeral Home Is in Charge of the Arrangements

Online Condolences can be made at Dillman-Scott funeral home .com