Marion Nield Fairbrother, 90, a resident of the Home for Aged Women (Washburn House), 1183 Main Street, and formerly of 10 Blaine Avenue, Worcester, Massachusetts, died Tuesday, July 6, 2004. She was born April 25, 1914, in Worcester, the only child of Mabel and Samuel Nield. She attended Worcester public schools and Pembroke College at Brown University.
Prior to her retirement, Mrs. Fairbrother conducted research interviews for McGraw Hill Publishing Company, and the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Census.
Marion was a life-long member of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church. Always willing to offer a helping hand, she served in various capacities, including the vestry, altar guild, and outreach committee. She participated in the woman’s bell ringing group, and taught Sunday school.
Mrs. Fairbrother was a member of the Worcester County Woman’s Republican Club, Brown University Club of Worcester County, Worcester County Ecumenical Council, Worcester Art Museum, Worcester County Horticultural Society, United Commercial Travelers, Mechanics Hall Association, and Washburn House Board of Visitor’s.
Mrs. Fairbrother was preceded in death by her husband, Elwood L. Fairbrother, Sr. She is survived by her son, LTC (Ret) Elwood L. Fairbrother, Jr., and his wife, Alice of Raleigh, NC; and her daughter Ann L. Houghton, and her husband, the Reverend Philip G. Houghton, of Bedford, PA. Additionally, she is survived by grandsons David L. Fairbrother, M.D., and his wife, Caroline, of Charleston, SC; Scott N. Fairbrother, M.D., of Greenville, NC; CPT Daniel G. Houghton, and his wife, Sharon, of Greenville, OH; and Stephen P. Houghton, of San Francisco, CA. Rebecca A. Houghton of Philadelphia, PA is her surviving granddaughter. Surviving great-grandchildren are Matthew, Zachary, Morgan, and Noah Fairbrother, all of Charleston, SC. Also surviving are two cousins, Marjory W. Laine and Rosalyn W. Frew; several nieces and nephews; and her lifelong friend, Vera May Dowden Baldwin of Worcester.
Marion’s family wishes to convey their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the administrator, nurses, and staff of the Washburn House for the loving care which they provided for Marion during the past six years.
A service to celebrate the life of Marion Nield Fairbrothers will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Zero Freeland Street on Friday, July 9 at 11:00 a.m., with interment to follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. The family will receive friends at the church, beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Parish of St. Mark, Zero Freeland Street, Worcester, MA 01603; or to The Home for Aged Woman, 1183 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01603.
Arrangements by O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue.