District 97 is mourning the sudden passing of Dr. Deneita “Dee Dee” Jo Farmer, the popular Longfellow Elementary School prekindergarten teacher who died unexpectedly on Oct. 7. She was 65 years old. So far, the cause of her death, which was confirmed over the weekend by family members, hasn’t been released.
Farmer, a 40-year veteran in early childhood education and a 1997 Golden Apple Award winner, was the head of Longfellow’s prekindergarten program and an involved Oak Park community member.
Last February, Wednesday Journal interviewed Farmer at the Collaboration for Early Childhood’s 12th Annual Symposium, a day-long gathering of early childhood educators from all over the Chicago area.
“I was Peter Pan; I was never growing up,” Farmer said, referencing her childhood, which she cited as part of her motivation for teaching.
“So many things happen as a result of kids just mucking about with things that are in our environment,” said Farmer at the time. “I’m still Peter Pan; I’m never growing up. Growing up is dull. The kids keep me young, excited, invigorated and they give me a lot of joy and peace.”
A statement released by Chris Jasculca, D97’s communications director, expressed the administration’s “shock” and “sadness” at Farmer’s sudden death.
“Dee Dee was a beloved member of our District 97 family who touched the lives of countless people during a remarkable career at Longfellow that spanned more than 20 years. However, it was the incredibly meaningful and impactful work she did both in and out of the classroom that will serve as a lasting testament to her legacy as an educator, a mentor and a role model for the thousands of children she served.
“Our thoughts are with her loved ones during this difficult time. We will miss her terribly, and will always remember and be inspired by the strong work ethic, integrity and tireless commitment she displayed on a daily basis.”
Longfellow Principal Angela Dolezal described Farmer as a dedicated early childhood educator who, throughout her two decades at the school, “has guided many students and assisted many parents with both educating and raising their children.
“Many of the memories being shared are about how she was a wealth of knowledge when it came to helping our kids adjust to school, family changes, and social dynamics,” Dolezal said. “She loved all her students and knew exactly what they needed. Many staff members saw her as a mentor. And, all of us (parents, staff, students, alumni) are going to miss the wonderful hugs she was always ready to dish out.”
Jill Pacyna, a prekindergarten teacher at Longfellow, described Farmer as “more than a co-worker. She was family.”
Pacyna said Farmer “took me under her wing” since the latter’s student teaching days in 2001.
“She taught me respect to all, tough love when needed, always put children first, and support each other,” Pacyna said. “I don’t know how to fill the hole in my heart, but I do know that I will carry on.”
According to an online obituary, Farmer is survived by three children and seven grandchildren.
A public viewing is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 13, from 2 to 5 p.m., at Cage Memorial Chapel, 7651 S. Jeffery Blvd. in Chicago. The funeral service will take place on Friday, Oct. 14, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Pullman Christian Reformed Church, 424 E. 103rd St., Chicago, followed by interment at Lincoln Cemetery, 11900 S. Kenzie in Chicago.