Samaline Joyce (Cervi) Fark

Samaline Joyce Cervi-Fark, 81, of Carbondale, passed away at 5:10 a.m. Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at Herrin Hospital in Herrin, Illinois. Samaline was born on July 25, 1934, at home, in Sandoval, Illinois, where she lived through her teen's years. Born, during the Great Depression, she was the daughter of first generation immigrant parents from Italy Domenico Cervi and Louisa (Contri) Cervi. In lieu of payment for delivery the Doctor asked that the baby be named after him and his wife. Their names were Sam and Aline. So they named the baby Samaline (Sammye). She was the seventh of eight children, two boys and six girls. During World War II, Sammye grew up with some of her nieces and nephews almost like siblings when her sisters moved home with their children as their husbands were called into military service. Like most families during the Depression, her family grew almost everything they needed. They had no indoor plumbing and her father finished the indoor bathroom, just prior to his death in the Centralia # 5 Coal Mine explosion in 1947. In the 1950's, she was the station manager and disc jockey for WCNT in Centralia. Sammye made lots of friends growing up and has enjoyed reconnecting with those friends through Facebook. It was in college where she met her husband Roger Martin Fark, who was from Centralia. They were married on February 26, 1960, in Centralia, but he preceded her in death on September 15, 1992. They were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Kelly and Chris. Sammye was a stay at home mom, but was very passionate about her family and participating in their activities. After her retirement, she was also very involved in her grandchildren's school activities. She was especially active in local politics and community affairs. Her involvement in politics would lead her to be a Legislative Aide for the former State Senator Ralph Dunn. She then worked for the Department of Transportation as an Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, later as a Community Liaison for the Secretary of State, and ultimately she would serve as the DuQuoin State Fair Manager from 1998 until her retirement in 2002. One of the highlights of her career was being able to serve as an Illinois Delegate for the Republican National Convention. Survivors include two children who survive Kelly Barger and her husband David Barger of Murphysboro and Christina Fark of Carbondale; Two grandchildren, Alexandra Barger and Nicholas Barger, both of Murphysboro; One brother Bob Cervi of Tuscon, AZ; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one brother, five sisters, and her parents. Her body has been cremated and a Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2016, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Murphysboro, with burial at Oakland Cemetery in Carbondale. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday until 9:45 a.m. at Pettett Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Samaline "Sammye" Fark's memory to This Able Veteran, 1714 S. Wolf Creek Road, Carbondale, IL 62902 or donations may be made at www.thisableveteran.org. For more information, please visit www.pettettfuneralhome.com. Sammye authored the following poem and asked that be included in her obituary. Infinity by Sammye Cervi Fark In a forest green and tall; And in the tumbling torrent Of a mountain waterfall. In the tinted clouds of sunset, At some remote and distant place, A playful group of children Will pause and see my face. And, with the flowers of Spring-time. A thousand years from now, Before each soft, caressing breeze, I'll nod my head and bow. As long as there's a river, Crawling to the sea; As long as there's an ocean, There'll be me. Sift the sands of burning deserts Gently through your hands, For you will find a grain of me In burning desert sands. Beneath the endless heavens, Under countless stars, Listen for my melody From shepherd's soft guitars. And, in the crowded cities, Behind all shades of skin, Find a tiny bit of me In all my fellow men. As long as there are dreamers, And there will always be, As long as God makes poets There'll be me.

Samaline Joyce (Cervi) Fark

July 25, 1934 - February 24, 2016