Thousands of people knew Carmen Farina not by name, but by the product of her many happy hours of work throughout the year: the amazingly fertile and vibrantly colored garden in front of the historic Litchfield Villa, on Prospect Park West between fourth and fifth streets.
Farina passed away in early September at the age of 86 after a very short illness. A strong woman yet unassuming and shying away from attention, Farina told her family and friends she didn’t want a funeral. So a few days after her death, her family and many of the Prospect Park volunteers who came to know Farina during her almost two-decades of volunteering at the park, gathered to remember her. The choice of location was obvious: the garden in front of the Litchfield Villa, which Farina tended to with great devotion and care.
Prospect Park Alliance President Tupper Thomas, announced that the garden, long referred to by many as “Carmen’s Garden,”would now have that as its official name. Thanks to donations by Carmen’s family, friends and fellow volunteers, a tree will also be planted in the garden in Farina’s honor.
Farina’s dedication to volunteering at Prospect Park extended beyond her love of the garden, which now has her name. She worked with volunteer crews in all areas of the park, and at many public events where volunteer assistance was of invaluable help to park staff. As many of her fellow volunteers noted in reminiscing about Farina, she was a no nonsense person who wanted to help when help was needed.
Anyone can follow Farina’s example and volunteer to help keep Prospect Park beautiful for years to come. Attend a Volunteer Information Session and learn how. Upcoming dates are September 23 at 6:30 p.m., October 7 at 4 p.m., and October 21 at 6:30 p.m.
For more, go to www.prospectpark.org/volunteers or call 718-965-8960.
