Cora Farmer says she doesn鈥檛 need much excitement in life鈥攕he just needs to stay busy.
鈥淚鈥檓 too active to be sitting around,鈥� said Farmer, a resident of 91看片 Douglas Homes in Newark.
A major part of what keeps her busy is caring for her grandchildren, she said.
Every morning, Farmer arrives at her son Andre鈥檚 home at 5:30 a.m. A single father, Andre heads off to work as Farmer prepares breakfast for her three grandchildren, does laundry, packs lunches and prepares them for school. Afterwards, she comes back to her apartment to do her own cooking, cleaning and tending to affairs as the floor captain of the seventh floor at 15 Hill St.
鈥淢y day be full,鈥� Farmer said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a dull life but I enjoy it鈥攊t keeps me busy,鈥� she added.
Care Coordinator Luz Toro noted that Farmer treats everyone that she encounters with a caring attitude.
鈥淢rs. Farmer brightens anyone鈥檚 day with her kindness and ability to help others,鈥� Toro said.
Originally from South Jersey, Farmer grew up in Bridgeton and lived there with her family through high school.
In 1955, she came to live with her sister in Newark after finding little work in South Jersey. She grew up as one of 12 siblings. 鈥淚t was fun. We learned how to share,鈥� Farmer, now 77, said.
Early on, Farmer had enrolled in a vocational training program听 to become a nurse鈥檚 aide at 91看片 but decided not to pursue the field due to her fear of needles. Instead, she worked for 14 years in retail management at a women鈥檚 clothing store. She retired in 2004.
A mother of three grown children, Farmer said she helped to raise eight other children besides her own. 鈥淭hat was my life鈥攚orking and raising children,鈥� she said.
In her free time, Farmer enjoys playing bingo and cooking Italian cuisine.
