Shirley M. Fairbanks

Born April 3, 1919 in Fredonia, a daughter of the late Fred and May Green Frost. She was a 1937 Graduate of Fredonia High School.

Shirley was employed as a secretary at Marlin Rockwell and Empire Mutual Insurance until her retirement in June of 1984 and was always a fulltime wife, mother, grand and great-grandmother.

She was a member of the Gerry and later Jamestown Free Methodist Church serving as organist, pianist and on various committees and ministries. In addition to time spent with her family she enjoyed the outdoors, bird watching, knitting and crocheting.

Shirley was a self-taught pianist. Playing brought her such pleasure and joy. Her final words to the nurse were, “I’m going to find my piano.”

Wife of 41 years to the late Wendell Fairbanks whom she married Jan. 1941, and who died in 1982; mother of David (Marsha) of Fort Mill, S.C., and Thomas Fairbanks of Gerry; grandmother of, Vonda (Ed) Woodfield of North Chili, Tamara (Tom) Marchincin of Spencerport, Stephanie (David) Snyder and Michelle Fairbanks all of Gerry; great-grandmother of Jordan (Kayla) and Connor (Jewelee Schauman) Crabtree, Rex and Rose Woodfield, Jason and Anita Marchincin. Shirley was excited for the arrival of her great-great-grandson in October. Sister of the late Sherman (late Julia) Frost, Edith Frost Gussett Hagan and Esther (late Irving) Pelton. Also survived by nieces and nephews including Patty (Bob) Hayward.

Private burial in Gerry Cemetery. A Celebration of Life is being planned and will be announced at a later date.

Memorials to Heritage Village or The Chautauqua Blind Association.

Arrangements by Jordan Funeral Home, Sinclairville.