Michelle "Tootsie" Faria

As Cancer Season draws to a close, we celebrate our beloved matriarch. Born in Cambridge on June 23, 1931, she was the eldest of six.

Compassionate heart. Nurturer. Free spirit.

A note scribbled on an envelope confirmed her departure, "Gone to New Bedford! See 'ya later." Tootsie took off on September 10, 2024.

She loved butter on everything, junking on weekends. Crooners with full hair, true crime on full blast. Lilacs, honey dipped donuts, kitchsy collectibles, Jean Greenhowe knitting books, and psychic readings. Phrases like "fat free" and "take your pills" were banned in her household.

A selfless caregiver, Tootsie doted on her "pets" with the same affection as her parents. Not only did she have a passion for helping others, she was a gifted knitter and crocheter. From "inchworms" to afghans, there's no pattern she couldn't create. In addition to her handmade treasures, Tootsie was famous for being a night owl, showing up when things fell apart, gallivanting and getting lost, having great skin, flirting with medical staff, weeping at a moment's notice, and moving a lot.

After retiring, she split her time between MA and CA. Roadtrips from LA to SF on the PCH, birthdays at Cypress Inn and Santa Anita Park, thrifting at The Goodwill Outlet Store or Valley Value Center, and people watching at Taix and Astro Family Diner. A limited edition series of wind chimes from her trove of stolen restaurant "souvenirs" is slated for release in the fall.