Michele 'Micki' (Small) McFarland, 62 years old, passed away from a battle with the road less traveled on Friday, January 7th, 2022. She popped into this world like a tiny firecracker in Jacksonville, Florida on April 29th, 1959. Micki was the daughter of the late Francis and Arlene (Kashulines) Small. Micki came from a huge family, she was one of nine. She has lovingly joined her sister, Celeste and her brother, Kevin who both preceded her in death.
Referred to by her children as 'Ma Dukes', Micki was a force of nature and a survivor whose lives far exceeded that of any cat. She lived vivaciously and by the seat of her pants. Her handwriting was elegantly beautiful with a left handed slant. Even after having to relearn how to write, with shaking hand it was still unmistakably hers. She penned songs and recipes, scribbled gorgeous and serene landscapes and painted scenes that would make Bob Ross’ happy little trees even happier. Micki’s wit was quick, sharp, and wayyyy faster than yours. She could cut you with it and somehow you’d masochistically ask for more. She did it with an elfin-like smile. There was just something electric about her that made you glow just by being near her. Micki could whistle with two fingers, cheer louder for you than anyone else in the crowd and victory dance shamelessly like no one was watching. She could cook on a budget or for a banquet with equal measure, but you’d never question what it was as it was always flavored with love. Micki loved to gamble and seek her fortunes in life, love, games and mischief. The buy- in was never too high if the prize was worth it to her. She loved the thrill and chill of it all. She strummed a mean guitar and sang with a gravelly voice that painted pictures of long ago. We will always remember the happiness in her face in those moments by the warm glow of firelight strewn across her sun kissed skin.
Micki walked barefoot and with a swing in her arms that said she was going places and she didn’t care if you couldn’t keep up. She baked in the sun with baby oil lathered on her and ironed her hair with an actual iron. She played cribbage like a pro, could grow moss on a rolling stone, jumped in puddles while it was raining and could out- draw you in Pictionary. The Iris was her favorite flower, but only those found in the wild with their untamed beauty. She stared at them with heart shaped eyes when we drove past them, as if they were her kin she longed to be with. There was no physical object that she couldn’t craft, repair, upcycle or repurpose. Our Christmas tree was decorated with hand-made ornaments every year with things we found lying around the house and worth every giggling minute that we took to lovingly create them. Micki was breathtaking and broken, classy and carefree, aloof and amazing. She was a mother the best way she could be, an angel with a tilted halo. Our Ma Dukes was the life of the party and there was no such thing as a stranger to her. They were just friends that she hadn’t met yet. She will be missed every day but she is as free now as her soul always was.
Micki is survived by three beautiful children, eldest daughter, Erica (Christiansen) and husband Rick Parenteau and their children Cameron and Hayden; her sparkling daughter, Kristi (Christiansen) Stanley and her children Annabelle and Bria; and her son, Michael Francis McFarland, his fiancé, Katie Gioia and their children Austin and Keegan. Micki is also survived by six Siblings Robyn Small and wife Doris, Gregg Small, Craig Small and wife Pam; and Gary Small, Holly Small and Suzanne (Small) Clark and husband Thomas; several Nieces and Nephews: Jennifer (Small) Hartwig and husband Ryan, Chris Small, Derek Small, Frank Small, Edward Cyr, and Jessica (Dumais) Danek and husband Bruce; Great Nieces Nora, Emmy, Juliana, Emma, Evy and Attie; numerous cousins and friends, to name a few of her favorites whom she also considered her Sisters: Cousin Donna Kashulines, Lisa Cammarata and Donna Dionne.
Special gratitude is expressed to Mrs. Mary Clark for prayers to all of us as Micki was making her way to Heaven. Mary held open the door to God's love with the sweetest of words.
Micki is also survived by many wonderful and loving Caretakers along the way. Because she loved loud, those too, were whom she felt to be 'Sisters from other Misters' - Pammie O'Neill, Krysten Diefendorf, Cindy Lavoie, Janice Burt and Angel Herd. Thank you for loving Micki and filling her life with so many happy times. Your healing hands will always be remembered.
And that she did with determination, dignity and pride.
You will be forever in our hearts, Micki.
In her memory we ask that you call up a stranger and ask them if their refrigerator is running. When they answer "yes" tell them to go outside and catch it, hang up and giggle. That’s what she would have wanted.
Following cremation, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.