Virginia E. Farmer, 74, former president of the North American Benefit Association, died Saturday at the home of a relative in Elmhurst. Born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, Miss Farmer graduated from DePaul University. In 1961, she joined the staff of the National Fraternal Congress of America. She worked for the benefits trade organization for 15 years, rising to secretary-treasurer. In 1976, Miss Farmer moved to Port Huron, Mich., to work for the NABA, becoming national president the following year and holding the position until 1989. For 11 years, she also was a director of Michigan National Bank, and for 14 years, a trustee of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. Miss Farmer was chairman of the board of the Catholic Social Service from 1992 to 1996, a former board member of Goodwill Industries in two locations and president of the League of Catholic Women in Port Huron at the time of her death. She was an avid golfer, swimmer and walker. Mass will be said at 11:30 a.m. Monday in Immaculate Conception Church, 134 Arthur St., Elmhurst.
