Tom's Life Bits

Dec. 20, 1934 - Apr. 22, 2016
Dr. Priscilla Hope Umbers Haflich, daughter of Frances and Alfred Umbers was born December 20, 1934 in New York City, the youngest of five children. Priscilla was with her husband Richard (Dick) Haflich and her son Frederick (Rick) Farmer when she died unexpectedly on Friday, April 22, 2016 at 3:15 a.m., at Lakewood Ranch Hospital in Sarasota, Florida. Preceding her in death are her parents, siblings Michael Umbers, Junie Umbers, Edith Trunage, and Jeannette Shipley, and former husband Mark Farmer.
In 1990, Priscilla and Dick were married and created a new life together in Sarasota. They enjoyed many years of opera, polo, and celebrating life's events with family and dear friends. Priscilla was deeply involved in her community due to her professional responsibilities and extensive interest in community volunteerism. Priscilla was planning to retire from Manatee Technical College in June 2016. She started her career at MTI in 1984 as the financial aid coordinator. For the past 16 years she served as the assistant director/site administrator of the east campus, and due to her diligent commitment to all MTC programming is credited for bringing Allied Health programs to MTC and for her conscientious commitment to all MTC programming. Her illustrious career was dedicated to education and vocational training.
After completing her first two years of college at Fordham University and graduating with a B.A. from Coker College in South Carolina, Priscilla returned to New York City and for a decade and taught English at the High School of Art and Design. One of her many successful students was cartoonist Art Spiegelman. Throughout the years, he and countless other students credited Priscilla for playing a substantive role in their life success. Her continued passion for education led her to pursue a M.A in English from Columbia University, and later a Master's in Education from West Chester University, with her formal education culminating in the completion of a Doctorate in Adult and Vocational Education from Temple University.
“Who's Who of Women” included Priscilla in their 1980 volume for her work with women in mid-life transition. She was a pioneer in work force development and vocational education and a champion in support of the achievements of women. Through the Work Force Improvement Act, she was instrumental in implementing the 1980's Job Training Partnership Act where she facilitated the opportunity for women interested in vocational education to receive training in the trades. Priscilla's contributions to the community were numerous. For decades she was an active member of Zonta International, a global organization whose mission is to empower women through service and advocacy. Her boundless energy and positive contributions were her hallmark as she tirelessly volunteered at the Sarasota Ballet, Rotary, the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance or as president of the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Auxiliary.
Priscilla's first marriage was to Mark Farmer (d. 2009). They were married for twenty years and had three children - Rick Farmer (Sharon) of Sarasota, Lars Farmer (Linda) of Kennett Square, PA, and Hope Marshall of Santa Rosa, CA. Priscilla adored her grandchildren -Mitch and Sam Farmer, Sarah Farmer, and Frances Marshall. Priscilla's regard for learning was the impetus for her generous decision to finance her grandchildren's college educations. Priscilla was always very grateful to be blessed with many lifelong friendships, especially those with her treasured friend Charlie Lenger, her beloved Zonta sisters, and her many colleagues. She also truly loved the written word; she was a voracious reader and devoured 2-3 books weekly. Her passion for and understanding of literature was inspirational to those who knew her.
A visitation will take place at Toale Brothers in downtown Sarasota on Friday, April 29th from 6 to 8 p.m. http://www.toalebrothers.com/home/. Funeral services for Priscilla will be held at the Church of the Redeemer on Saturday, April 30th at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been created in her name for the benefit of Manatee Technical College. Donations accepted at Wells Fargo Bank – 6076 N. Lockwood Ridge Road. Attention: Priscilla U. Haflich MTC Scholarship fund.
Published in Herald Tribune on Apr. 28, 2016