J. Fairbairn

J. Gail (Edmondson) Fairbairn was born February 8, 1945, in Middlesboro, Kentucky to David and Mary (Pace) Edmondson. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at Grace Lutheran Church, Monroe. She was married to Lavern Fairbairn on June 11, 1966, by the Rev. Paul O. Richert. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1963, attended Eastern Michigan University, where she studied music education; she also attended Monroe County Community College in the Adult Education Program over the years. She studied voice performance and piano privately for many years. She retired as an Administrative Assistant to the Coordinator of Music for Monroe Public Schools in 2005 after being in that position at Monroe High School since 1987. Gail will be remembered most for her singing at the many weddings, baptisms (she sang at each grandchild’s baptism), and funerals over the years. She was an avid bridge player for most of her life, and played in several Monroe bridge groups. Through the years she was active at Grace Lutheran Church, and held various offices in the St. Elizabeth Altar Guild, Aid Association to Lutherans, Branch 3188, and choir. She had been a Sunday School and Bible School teacher, and played piano for the children’s opening services. Besides her husband, Lavern, Gail is survived by her son, the Rev. Christopher (Lisa) Fairbairn of Novi, MI, her daughter, Kristen (Nathan) Miklusak of St. Clair Shores, MI, a sister, Rebecca (Howard) Harmon of Olathe, KS, a brother, David (Kim) Edmondson of Greenfield, IN, two nephews, Jacob and Joshua, and five grandchildren, Jacob, Mariah, Emily, Lauren, and Joseph. She was preceded in death by her father in 1987, and her mother, December 3, 2009. Friends may call at the Bacarella Funeral Home, 4-8 PM Sunday and 2-8 PM Monday. She will Lie in State at the Grace Lutheran Church, 630 N. Monroe Street, on Tuesday, from 10 AM until funeral services celebrating her life at 11 AM. The Revs. Ronald C. Schultz and Mark Witte will officiate. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, LaSalle. Memorial Gifts in her name may be given to the Choir or Memorial Funds at Grace Lutheran Church.

J. Fairbairn

December 18, 2009