Frieda Ann Fairburn 1937 to 2020
On Wednesday, April 1, 2020, Frieda Ann Fairburn, beloved aunt, dear friend, and cherished colleague, passed away at the age of 83. Frieda was a long-time resident of Jamestown.
Frieda was born in Niagara Falls, N.Y., in 1937, to Robert and Frieda (Hart) Fairburn. She graduated from the former LaSalle High School and earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from SUNY Albany. After college, she joined the Peace Corps to teach mathematics at the Bauchi Teacher Training College in Nigeria. Frieda also lived and taught in Berkshire, England for two years before returning to the United States to eventually settle in Westbury, N.Y. (Long Island) where she taught social studies with Herricks District Schools until her retirement in 1992.
After Frieda’s retirement, she moved to Jamestown to be closer to her western New York family. Becoming bored, in 1995, she rejoined the Peace Corps for two years where she taught cooperative learning methods to more than 2,000 Filipino teachers in Northwestern Luzon, Philippines.
Returning to her home in Jamestown, Frieda remained extraordinarily active. She traveled extensively, and over her lifetime, visited 38 countries, often as a solo traveler. She was a founding member of the Friends of Nigeria, an association of Peace Corps alumni that supports the interests of the Nigerian people. She became active in the Jamestown community and supported the Chautauqua Lake Association, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Jamestown Branch, and other organizations. She also enjoyed enduring friendships as a long-time member of the Jamestown “Bibliofemme” book club.
Frieda was well-known for her sharp intellect, wit, and dry sense of humor. A long-time friend described her as “a force of nature.” Frieda was a skilled potter (clay and ceramics). She enjoyed reading, gardening, birdwatching, bicycling, walking, and paddling her canoe on Lake Chautauqua.
Frieda was preceded in death by her parents; and her dear sister and friend, Claudia Ansell. She is survived by her niece: Gwen Alegre (Mitchell); nephew, Eric Festor: and great-nieces: Taylor Festor and Kimberly Festor.
The family will host a gathering to celebrate Frieda’s life, in the Jamestown area, later this year. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and Hospice Buffalo.
Please share your condolences at www.eriecountycremationservice.com.