Obit: Mimi Baez Farina has passed away Jul-2001

Subject: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 18 Jul 01 - 11:01 PM

I'm very sad to report that Mimi Baez Fariña passed away this morning following a long battle with cancer.

I was honored to have had Mimi as a friend. I'll have a tribute to her tomorrow morning at 9:00 am (EDT) at the beginning of Folk Roots/Folk Branches.

Mike Regenstreif

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: Jimmy C
Date: 18 Jul 01 - 11:06 PM

That is very sad news, very sad indeed. Although not completely unexpected, it is still heartbreaking and a great loss to music lovers everywhere. My condolences are with her family and friends.

She will be in my thoughts tonight.

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: khandu
Date: 18 Jul 01 - 11:08 PM

Sadness visits once again. Farewell, Mimi.

khandu

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Jul 01 - 11:33 PM

We all knew it was coming but it makes it no less sad. The past few years have been very rough I know and at least now the pain is gone.

Wonderful voice. Wonderful person.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: hesperis
Date: 18 Jul 01 - 11:36 PM

Fare thee well.

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: Wavestar
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 12:11 AM

Not unexpected but still very sad. A passing and a person that will be remembered and noted. Condolences and regrets to family and those close to her.

-J

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: Sorcha
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 12:12 AM

G'nite, Mimi. Have a good rest. You earned it. See ya next time, OK?

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 03:09 AM

This is just too sad. Please keep us posted if you hear of any public memorial gatherings.

-chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: Brían
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 10:35 AM

I will miss her and the recordings of her and Richard Farina I haven't been able to listen to since my record player died.

Brían.

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: Dan Keding
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 10:40 AM

She had an uncommon grace and gentleness about her. An example to us all - a sad loss. Dan

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: M.Ted
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 10:48 AM

From the Associated Press, July 19, 2001:

Mimi Farina

SAN FRANCISCO -- Mimi Farina, sister of folk singer Joan Baez and founder of an organization that brought free live music to the sick and imprisoned, died Wednesday of complications related to cancer. She was 56.

She founded Bread & Roses in 1974. The organization produced 500 shows annually for audiences in senior centers, psychiatric, rehabilitation and correctional facilities as well as centers for abused and neglected children.

Long part of the San Francisco Bay area's folk music elite as a singer herself, Farina drew many fellow musical luminaries to take part in performances. Her sister, Jackson Browne, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt and Peter, Paul and Mary all volunteered their services.

Farina was the youngest of three daughters and was raised a Quaker alongside siblings Joan Baez and Pauline Bryan.

She learned the guitar during the folk music revival of the late 1950s and frequently played the folk scene around Harvard Square in Cambridge, Mass

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: Mrrzy
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 11:31 AM

My heartfelt condolences to Joan and the rest of the family. This is very, very sad.

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 12:58 PM

I take this news hard. It seems as she had such grace being the sister to a very powerful Joan. She liked being in the supporting role and seemed to thrive in it. She had such a peaceful and content aura about her that I think few of us will achieve. Quiet strenght often lasts the longest.

Makes me think of the song, Give Me the Roses. Goes like this- - Give me the roses while I live, trying to move me on. Useless are flowers that we give, after the soul is gone.

After hearing this sad news, made my decision to go and see Doc and Hazel at the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival this coming Labor Day. One never knows.

Mimi, from one survivor to another, I know that the fight is soooo tiring sometimes. Your time has come to be at final peace.

Tearfully, Walking Eagle

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: LR Mole
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 01:58 PM

But I'll remember
Your hands encircling
A bowl of moonstones,
A lamp of childhood
A robe of roses...

Subject: OBIT: Farina Farewll
From: voyager
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 02:34 PM

Mimi Farina...

she brought light to the Children of Darkness.
Long time coming...long time gone.
Fare thee well, muse of our Time.

voyager

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: Tedham Porterhouse
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 02:55 PM

Mike,

I heard your tribute to Mimi this morning, it was very moving. I know that she was as wonderful a person as you suggested.

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: Big Tim
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 03:26 PM

So sorry to hear that. She , Joan , Richard, Bob, etc were such an important part of my youth, my learning process and general awareness.

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: GUEST,Jaze
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 03:40 PM

Such sad news even though it wasn't unexpected. Now her and Richard can sing together again. Heaven's getting crowded, but what a lot of talent.

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: mousethief
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 03:42 PM

I'm ashamed to admit I didn't even know Joan Baez had a sister before I came to Mudcat. This place is a wonderful education!

My wish is for comfort and cheer for her loved ones and family, and that her memory will be eternal.

Alex

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: GUEST,Janice in NJ
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 03:57 PM

May the work she has done speak for her,
May the work she has done speak for her,
And if she did not reach her goal,
May others rise to take a hold,
May the work she has done speak for her.

Subject: OBIT: Mimi Baez Fariña
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 05:11 PM

Here's a second Associated Press obituary, with some additional information.
-Joe Offer-

---

The Sacramento Bee Thursday, July 19,2001
Mimi Farina, Bay Area folk music figure

ASSOCIATED PRESS
SAN FRANCISCO - Mimi Farina, sister of folk singer Joan Baez and founder of an organization that brought free live music performances to the sick and imprisoned, died of complications from cancer Wednesday. Ms. Farina, 56, died at her Mill Valley home surrounded by family and friends.
She was perhaps best known for founding Bread & Roses in 1974. The organization produced 500 shows annually for audiences in senior centers, in psychiatric, rehabilitation and correctional facilities, and in centers for abused and neglected children.
Long a part of the San Francisco Bay Area's folk music elite as a singer herself, Ms. Farina drew many fellow musical luminaries to join in performances.
Ms Farina was born Margarita Mimi Baez in Palo Alto in 1945. She and Richard Farina, who married in 1963, cut two albums for Vanguard Records. Richard Farina died in a motorcycle accident in 1966. Ms. Farina later recorded albums on her own.
She is survived by her parents, two sisters and partner Paul Liberatore of Mill Valley. A memorial is scheduled for Aug. 7 at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: MarkS
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 10:12 PM

Mimi and Richard were a major influence on my musical taste since my youth. Richard was missed years earlier but Mimi kept the flame burning for some time.
She will be missed and the world will be a colder place for her absence.

Subject: RE: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: Deckman
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 11:48 PM

I will miss her. I met her at her Grandmother's home in Carmel when she was about 14 ... as I remember. Don Firth and I were supposed to show up at the City Lights Book Store, San Francisco,(1959?) for the book celebration of Richard's book. That was the same night the Richard died in the crash on highway 1, Big Sur. I will miss her. WHY IS IT THAT THE GOOD ONES HAVE TO GO SO YOUNG? Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: OBIT: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: Tedham Porterhouse
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 10:23 AM

Deckamn,

Richard died in April 30, 1966, on Mimi's 21st birthday.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: ard mhacha
Date: 21 Jul 01 - 08:52 AM

Nice tribute in to-days "Guardian" Obituary 21st july. guardian.co.uk Slan Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Jul 01 - 11:48 AM

Also in the Times today.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Mimi Baez Fariña has passed away
From: Little Hawk
Date: 26 Jul 01 - 03:19 PM

I just caught up with this, having been out of town (and off the net) when it was first posted. Well, it makes me feel sad, because I remember that beautiful young woman so well from back in my own youth. I had those Vanguard records with her and Richard Farina. Later saw her in Toronto one time at the Riverboat in Toronto, with Tom Jans.

Some thought her the most beautiful person in the entire pantheon of 60's folksingers.

I trust she is back with Richard now. I certainly hope so.

My condolences and my love to Joan and the rest of the family.

Distances are just too far, and the heart hurts with every mile between.

- LH