Mary "Fry" Lou Fairchild

Mary, 85, passed away May 28, 2015. She was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on April 8, 1930 to Violet Snyder, and adopted at the age of three months by Almer and Iola Fry in Jackson, Michigan. Mary was raised in Jackson, Michigan, graduated from Jackson High School, and attended Cleary Business School and Michigan State College. She moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in early 1953, and met her husband, Frank, on July 1, 1953. They had a wonderful life together for almost 62 years. Mary met her birth mother when she was 56 years old, and discovered she had another wonderful family, including, two half-sisters, several aunts and uncles, and many other relatives. She felt she was truly blessed with two wonderful families. She worked as a home maker, secretary, librarian, waitress, avocado rancher, general store owner in rural Maine, and volunteer at church, school and other organizations. This was done while moving 25 times during her married life. Mary was a devoted and loving partner with her husband, Frank, especially through the suicide death of their gay son, Peter, in 1989. Her faith in God was unshakeable. She was always active in church, and was a Stephen Minister at First United Methodist of Olympia. She was also a very friendly person, a hugger, loved to make conversation and made friends easily. She will always be remembered for her loving manner, her faith in God, her bright smile, and her spontaneous laugh. She is survived by her husband, Frank Fairchild; son, Steven, and wife, Kathy; daughter, Marianne; her dog, Mia; sister, Audrey Vanburen, and husband, David; brother, Maurice, and wife, Marilyn Fry; and half-sister, Joyce Cobb. Memorial donations may be made to PFLAG Olympia, PO Box 2732, Olympia, WA 98508. Please leave memories of Mary or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.