Doreen Fairley

Doreen Margaret Bell Fairley, of Frederick, MD died on July 31, 2024.

Doreen was born to Mary Durick and Walter Bell on August 20, 1927 in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, a city she loved to explore. It was the beginning of a lifetime of many explorations and adventures, regardless of where life led.

She met her husband Eugene (Red) Fairley while a student at Mount St. Bernard College in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, the sister school to St. Francis Xavier where he was studying. They
were married in Millinocket, ME in 1945. Gene was employed with the Great Northern Paper Company until 1968 when the family moved to Silver Spring MD.

Home was central to Doreen. She was a gracious hostess who welcomed friends and family, both to table and to overnight accommodations. With a strong thirst for knowledge and a commitment to education, Doreen and Gene assisted all of their children in their educational pursuits.

Doreen worked at Catholic University of America where she took advantage of and enrolled in various classes of interest. Later, she pursued a career in real estate. She brought to all endeavors a strong work ethic, honesty and compassion. For the last thirty years of her life, Doreen developed skills as a watercolorist. Her paintings are exhibited in many local venues. She also loved woodworking and was a skilled seamstress. Whether planting a tree or laying a brick patio, no project seemed too daunting for Doreen's can-do approach to life.

A lifelong Catholic, Doreen was sustained by her faith and was greatly enriched by her church family.

Doreen is predeceased by her husband Eugene, son Michael J. Fairley, and Grandson Vincent, Doreen is survived by her children Patricia (John) Rubin of Nova Scotia, Ann Fedeli of Mt. Airy, Stephen (Cheryl) Fairley of Greenville, SC, Marie Maffey (Tim Motsch) of Waynesboro VA, Beth Fairley of Waynesboro VA, Richard Fairley (Roma) of Frederick, Sheila (Bob) Burns of
Laytonsville, 28 grandchildren and 44 great grandchildren. She is survived by her brother Peter Bell of Maine and predeceased by siblings Thomas, James and Faye. Following her husband's death, Doreen enjoyed many happy years with her friend James Passante.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 118 E. 2nd St., Frederick at 10 am on August 6th. A reception in the parish hall will follow. Contributions may be made to Friends of Catholic Education at 53 E. Patrick St., Frederick, MD 21701.