Anna Katherine Farrar Taffs

In Loving Memory of Anna Katherine Farrar Taffs 1941-2022 Anna Katherine Farrar Taffs was born on February 1, 1941, in Washington, DC, to Katherine Bowman Farrar, daughter of Katherine F. Bowman of Warrenton, VA and to Charles H. Farrar, accomplished Virginia sculptor, son of Anna H. Farrar of Leesburg, VA and Joseph W. Farrar, previously deceased. Anna Katherine (Katie), her older brother Peter F. Farrar, and their younger sister Virginia (Gina) H. Farrar lived with their family in Leesburg and Warrenton during their earlier childhood, with a year or two in Europe after World War II, related to their father’s sculpture career. Anna Katherine and her sister Virginia attended St. Catherine’s School in Richmond, VA, as had their mother, Katherine Bowman Farrar. Anna Katherine then studied classical ballet and modern dance more intensively in New York City, including study and performance with the Jose Limon Dance Company. After Anna’s first marriage and the birth of her two sons, Jeme D. Jordan and Charles (Chuck) O. Jordan, Anna Katherine married her second, lifelong husband W. Leonard Taffs, a fine classical organist and pianist. The family moved together to Tucson, AZ, where Anna graduated from the University of Arizona, and she and Leonard pursued their professional careers, hers in dance and dance education, his in classical and church music. Leonard died in 2013 from complications of a final illness, and was interred in the courtyard of St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church, where he was admired for his service as organist, and where they both attended services for many years. Anna donated an organ pipe to St. Michael’s in his memory. After several more brave years facing her own health challenges, Anna Katherine died peacefully on July 11, 2022 from complications of pneumonia, comforted by her older son, Jeme Jordan and former daughter-in-law Julie R. Jordan, of Tucson, at her side. She is survived also by her younger son Chuck Jordan, grandson Peter J. Jordan, sister Jane Farrar of Santa Fe, NM, cousin Margery Farrar of Pacifica, CA, and several other caring cousins. Anna was predeceased by her brother Peter Farrar and sister Virginia Farrar of Warrenton, VA. She was celebrated shortly after her death in a well-attended memorial gathering, with family present, of fellow residents and staff, who had grown to love Anna during her last four years of life, at La Canada Care Center (Tucson). Many there made extra effort to express their appreciation for the encouragement they felt from Anna’s spunk and strong group spirit. All were moved by the beautiful singing of Anna’s favorite staff member. Anna Katherine’s committal, and interment with her beloved husband Leonard, were conducted by Episcopalian Father Richard Mallory on September 24, 2022, at St. Michael’s and All Angel’s Church. Close family members and church friends gathered for the courtyard ceremony, and expressed their love and respect for Anna Katherine, including her enduring support for social justice causes.