Eleanor(e) Fair
Died: November 7, 2023 | Place: London, Ontario
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Obituary
FAIR, Eleanor(e), nee Lyle (1933-2023)
Known and loved for her sense of humour and her ability to split an apple clean in half with her hands, Eleanor Fair was a wonderful mother, wife, sister, aunt, friend, and community member.
Eleanor was always keen for a tease, a game, a glass of chardonnay, or a dinner out. She loved her many years curling and playing bridge. She was also renowned for her bizarre dreams, brisk walking, pickles, and pecan balls.
Eleanor died from pulmonary fibrosis on November 7, 2023, at home in London, Ontario, surrounded by family.
Beloved wife of the late John William “Bill” Fair (died 1992), she was also predeceased by many dear Irish and English in-laws and close family friends (Deacons, Schroeders, and Hardys).
Eleanor is survived by her children, Maureen Fair (Wendy Shaw), Pam Chrisco (Rustin), Janis Fair (Craig Heighway), and Jamie Fair (Crystal) and her beloved grandchildren Alex and Kate Chrisco. Her nieces and nephews and extended family will miss her.
Born to Lena and Stanley Lyle, Eleanor grew up on the farm in St. Thomas, Ontario. Eleanor cherished her time with siblings Mary Beattie (Earl), William Lyle (Marion MacKenzie), Robert Lyle (Jean), Cathryn Ireland (Jack), and Douglas Lyle.
Eleanor was a 1955 graduate of St. Joseph’s School of Nursing along with longtime friends Betty Ann Mollard and current neighbour at Longworth, Fern Heslop.
Eleanor met Bill Fair, who had recently arrived from Ireland, on a blind date and they married in 1960. Eleanor and Bill loved to travel, often loading up a small car with kids and camping gear. They also traveled extensively to Ireland, England, Morocco, and China.
Eleanor volunteered for decades for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Meals on Wheels, and the London Regional Cancer Clinic where she provided soup, blankets, and kindness. Eleanor received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award, in recognition of her extraordinary community service.
Mom and her family deeply appreciate the wonderful community and loving care provided by the staff at Longworth Retirement Home.
Family and friends are welcomed to visitation on Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be conducted on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, 397 Springbank Drive, London, ON N6J 1G7. Interment in Elmdale Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Thomas. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Eleanor may do so with a donation to West Neighbourhood House, 248 Ossington Avenue, Toronto, ON M6J 3A2 or St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church Memorial Fund or a charity of your choice. Condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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We are saddened at the news of Eleanor’s passing. She was an amazing lady and it was always great to see her here in Ireland and to visit her in Canada in 2017.
Our condolences to all the family
Fond memories of a wonderful aunt, who we were glad to have in our lives. A beautiful person, kind and gentle and a strong leader. May she rest in peace!
I am so sorry to learn of Eleanor’s passing. She was our kind and helpful neighbour for many years and a very good friend. She will be remembered fondly. My deepest sympathy to all the family.
Such a wonderful and caring woman. Always quick with a retort and a smile. Our thank you to you, the Fair family, for sharing Ellie with us for our lives. Know that you are in our hearts always. Love Sheila, Mark, Regan, Ryland, Alexi and Shyla.
I’m sorry to hear of “Mrs. Fair’s ” passing. She was a great neighbour and friend-mom. She always spoke to the kids like adults, with her no nonsense humour. My Dad was very fond of her as well. Thank you for sharing her wonderful life story and photos.
We are very saddened to hear of Eleanor’s passing. She was a lovely special lady and we have some great memories of being with her. We are thinking of you all as you celebrate Eleanor’s remarkable life and the memories you shared. Please accept our sincere condolences and sympathy. Sending lots of love and hugs. Rosemary, Fergal, Marc, Colin and Daniel xxx
I am very happy that I was able to spend time with Eleanor when I was in London in August. We had a lovely conversation.
Eleanor was a very happy person with a great sense of humour. She was a dedicated member of St Michaels and
had a big heart for helping others.
Blessings, Grace
My sincere condolences to the passing of a truly exceptional and colourful woman. The words chosen to honour Eleanor paint a picture of a lovely and fun person. I am intrigued by her having vivid dreams! Big hugs to you, Maureen…… I wish I could be there on the 10th to honour your mom. Sending love and warmth at this time.
I am sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. What a lovely woman she was. My Mom always spoke of her fondly. She shared an interesting story from training days with my Mom. It was fun to hear.
Sorry for your loss. I remember her best at the Penny table at church, such a lovely lady.
Eleanor was a lovely lady with a great sense of humor so it was fun to carryon and joke with her.
She was a dear friend to Fern for 70+ years . Also very caring. The last time I saw her as she was failing, she was still concerned and asked after my husband Bill (who has health issues). Eleanor was loved and will be missed.
Lambrina and I wish to extend our sympathys to Maureen and the entire family.
Our condolences to Eleanor’s family and friends. She was a wonderful lady, always willing to give helping hand. Her smile will be missed.
My sincerest condolences to the Fair family. I have very fond memories of Eleanor’s generous hospitality during many visits to her home in my teen years. I loved her humour and love of life that she shared with all. She was so welcoming to many of her children’s friends and I will always appreciate that.
Maureen and Wendy ,
Sending heartfelt condolences ,warmest hugs at the loss of the much loved and cherished Eleanor.
It was a privilege to have met this lovely woman of such great heart.
Hello Maureen and your family, and Wendy: sending much love and deep condolences on the loss of your beloved and wonderful mom, / mother-in-law, Eleanor. She sounds like she was a delight, (much like you Maureen), and I send love to your entire family and to all who knew and loved her. Xo Jude.
My heart felt condolences to Maureen, Pam, Janis and Jamie and all of Eleanor’s loved ones as there were many for sure. She was an elegant, funny and caring lady who made the friends of the kids feel part of the family. She lived her life well! I will miss her!
My sincere condolences in the loss of your beloved mother Eleanor Fair.
May her wonderful life always be celebrated and her love and spirit live within you forever.
So sorry to here of your loss just found out too late to visit.