As we learned of the passing of one of Maricopa’s “founders,” Alma Farrell, at age 80 this week, the city’s memories of her started flooding our newsroom.

The longtime superintendent and owner of the Headquarters meant so much to so many people. We reached out to city leaders — past and present — to better understand the mark Mrs. Farrell left on this community.

Dr. Tracey Lopeman, Maricopa Unified School District superintendent

“Long before it was common to see women in the superintendent’s seat, Alma Farrell was there — leading with vision, compassion and a fierce love for this community. She made space for the rest of us to follow her and lead with confidence. She was so kind to me, generous with her time and always available. Her deep love for Maricopa — as both a district and a community — was evident in everything she did and continues to serve as a model. It’s an honor to follow in her footsteps.”

Patti Coutré, MUSD Governing Board member

“I have been blessed to have met Alma in 2005 when we moved to Maricopa. I first got to know her through our church which was a mission church before becoming Our Lady of Grace. Her faith never wavered and I admired her so much. It was Alma who encouraged and supported me to become a board member. Alma always championed MUSD and was so proud of all the accomplishments we achieved throughout the years, especially when our board was recognized as Outstanding Board of the Year. My heart is breaking today like so many. I will miss her so very much! Prayers for Alma and her family.”

Christian Price, former Maricopa mayor

“Her smile says it all. She was one of the kindest, inviting and most inclusive people I have ever met. She welcomed all new people to her little hometown of Maricopa with open arms. She fed them, made them feel loved and served them in any way she could. She was extremely kind and loving to me and my family and made us feel right at home.

She did all of this right to the very end. Her legacy is one of service above self. She was the school superintendent for many years. She was instrumental in the incorporation of the city, provided her restaurant as a meeting and strategy location, she volunteered in everything she could here in the city and was an advocate for protecting Maricopa’s history. She will be sorely missed.”

Nancy Smith, Maricopa mayor

“Alma was such an important part of Maricopa, not only for her work as the superintendent of our school district but also for her dedication to preserving our history. She did this in such a special way through the Headquarters restaurant, which became a symbol of Maricopa’s roots and the heart of our community.

She helped shape the Maricopa we know today, always with a deep love for this town and its people. Whether it was in education, business or simply as part of the community’s fabric, Alma’s presence was felt everywhere.

Alma was one of the first people I met when I moved to Maricopa before the city incorporated in 2003. I was delighted that she allowed me to work with her staff to determine how outside entities could utilize our few public school buildings for gatherings.  This was an extremely valuable need within our new city that was appreciated.

My thoughts are with her family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Alma’s legacy will live on in the stories we tell and the way she touched all of our lives.”

Desert Sunrise High School 

“The Desert Sunrise community was saddened by the loss of former superintendent Alma Farrell earlier this week. Even after her long tenure in education in Maricopa ended, Mrs. Farrell remained an ardent supporter of MUSD schools and students. We were honored to have her at our groundbreaking in 2021, and we are proud to be part of the legacy that she helped to build.”