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  Mary Emma Farmer
Mary Emma Farmer was born in Rye, NY on May 10, 1918 to Ruth Paul Capen, age 38, and Walter Havens Farmer, age 38. She was a graduate of Oldfield School, Va., and Erskine Junior College and in Rye her family lived on Park Ave.
 Mary was an aspiring actress before enlisting and serving in the Women's Army Corps as a Master Sargeant during WWII.
The Women's Army Corps (WAC) was the women's branch of the United States Army. It was created as an auxiliary unit, the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) on 15 May 1942 and converted to an active duty status in the Army of the United States as the WAC on 1 July 1943.
 The WAAC were first trained in three major specialties. The brightest and nimblest were trained as switchboard operators. Next came the mechanics, who had to have a high degree of mechanical aptitude and problem solving ability. This was later expanded to dozens of specialties like Postal Clerk, Driver, Stenographer, and Clerk-Typist. WAC armorers maintained and repaired small arms and heavy weapons that they were not allowed to use.
General Douglas MacArthur called the WACs "my best soldiers", adding that they worked harder, complained less and were better disciplined than men. Many generals wanted more of them and proposed to draft women but it was realized that this "would provoke considerable public outcry and Congressional opposition", and so the War Department declined to take such a drastic step. Those 150,000 women who did serve released the equivalent of 7 divisions of men for combat. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower said that "their contributions in efficiency, skill, spirit and determination are immeasurable".
  Mary married John Herbert Nugent on June 8, 1946, in Rye, New York. The ceremony was at home of the bride, Rev. Carl Bare, of Rye Presbyterian Church presided.
After marrying her husband, whom she met in service, she moved to Richmond, VA, where she was a Girl Scout leader and continued her acting with the St. Bart's Players. Her favorite role was as Vita Louise, Elwood P. Doud's sister in ''Harvey.''
Mary had a host of Godchildren and friends at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church where for more than 40 years she served in many capacities as Vestry member, senior warden, representative to the Diocesan Council, Superintendent of Church School, annual bake sale chair and countless other ways.
She was also associated with Healthsouth Rehab Hospital on Libby Avenue where she volunteered for many years, and at the Richmond SPCA.
Mary Farmer Nugent, 85, of Richmond, VA died June 13, 2003. She was preceded in death by her husband, John H. Nugent III.
At the time of her death, she was survived by nieces and nephews, Candy Congdon, Diane and Jeff Heavener, Robert Holloway, Susan Henderlite and Hugh Lane; and her devoted companions, Maria Davis and Stella Arrington.
A Memorial Eucharist was held at St. Bartholomew's Church, 10627 Patterson Avenue, Richmond.
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mary e farmer 
