Loretta Fairbanks, shop owner, volunteer
Loretta Wirth Fairbanks of 15 Blackman Road, a retired retailer who had been an active youth volunteer here, died on Wednesday, May 7, at the Waveny Care Center in New Canaan. She was 85 years old and wife of the late Russell Fairbanks.
Mrs. Fairbanks was born in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 9, 1917, a daughter of Joseph and Bernice Grzybowski Przyborowski. She grew up in Chicago and had attended college before entering the Army Officer Candidate School during World War II. She served in Europe and North Africa from 1943 to 1946, attaining the rank of captain and earning several commendations, including the European-American-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Army of Occupation Service Medal, and the American Campaign Medal.
While stationed in Germany, she met her husband-to-be, also in the Army. The two were married in 1947 and opened the Fairbanks Photo Shop on the Post Road in Darien. Mr. Fairbanks died in 1969 and Mrs. Fairbanks continued to run the store until her retirement in 1985. The shop is now operated by her son-in-law, George McKnight of South Salem, N.Y.
Mr. and Mrs. Fairbanks moved from Darien to Ridgefield in 1958. Mrs. Fairbanks was for many years active in Girl Scouting, serving as Brownie leader at Farmingville School, a troop leader at East Ridge Junior High School, a counselor at Camp Catoonah, and a chairman of the annual Girl Scout Fund Drive here. She was active in the Farmingville PTA and also taught literacy as a volunteer in the Ridgefield schools.
Mrs. Fairbanks had been a member of the OWLS senior citizens group, the Ridgefield AARP chapter, and of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.
After her retirement, she enjoyed traveling.
Mrs. Fairbanks is survived by her daughter Lauren McKnight and son-in-law George of South Salem; two granddaughters, Kelly McKnight and Alison McKnight; five sisters, Clare Cogan, Marcella Ward, Irene Hertl, Dolores Cavanaugh, and Jean Costabile, all of Chicago; and several nieces and nephews.
A son, William G. Fairbanks, and a brother, Edward Priz, died before her.
A memorial service will take place on Saturday, May 17, at 2 in St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 351 Main Street.
The family will receive friends in North Hall of St. Stephen’s Church immediately after the service.
Private burial services will take place in Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association, 90 East Ridge, or Meals on Wheels, 25 Gilbert Street, both of Ridgefield 06877.
The Kane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.