Deceased Classmate: 1982 - Jean Coffey Fairbanks
Date Of Birth: 10-2-1964
Date Deceased: 03-25-2014
Age at Death: 49
Cause of Death: Complications from diabetes
Classmate City: South Bend
Classmate State: IN
Classmate Country: USA
Was a Veteran: No
Survived By: Husband Mark Fairbanks (‘82) Son Chandler Fairbanks Brothers Richard (‘68)& Tom Coffey

Photos Jean Coffey Fairbanks Oct. 2, 1964 - March 25, 2014 - On March 25th, Jean Coffey Fairbanks passed away at home. She is survived by her husband, Mark; her son, Chandler; her mother, Jean Coffey; and her loving siblings, Richie (Debbie), Tom (Suzanne) and Emily Ann (Jon Bell); as well as her nieces and nephews: Rac, Meg, Zachary, Adam, Emily, Spencer, Dylan and Libby. Also surviving is her father-in-law, Ronald A. Fairbanks. Jean was preceded in death by her father, Richard E. Coffey; nephew, Ryan; niece, Anna; mother-in-law, Joan A. Fairbanks; and sister-in-law, Melissa J. Fairbanks. Born on a bright October 2nd, 1964, in South Bend, Jeannie was the youngest of four children by almost eleven years. As the baby of the family, she was the light of everyone's life. For her parents, she was a belated gift that allowed them to re-experience the joys of a newborn. For her siblings, it gave them a chance to be a big brother or big sister and her protector. We all relished in her birth and growth. Jeannie graduated from Riley High School in 1982, unaware that her future husband was a classmate. She then moved to Florida as a result of her father's work and attended Broward Community College. Jeannie moved back to South Bend with her parents in 1984. Continuing her education, and earning her Associate Degree from Michiana College of Commerce. Jeannie went to work for Holy Cross Health Systems and finally, connecting with her soulmate, she married Mark Fairbanks, June 25, 1994. On May 3, 1995, Chandler was born. In September 1995 she received a kidney from her brother, Richie. Jeannie stayed busy while raising Chandler, spending countless hours helping with homework, following his taekwondo, little league baseball, then diving career at Adams, with a single goal of making sure that he, and her husband Mark, had everything they needed to be successful in life. She was a member of Junior League, the Progress Club and was co-owner and teacher at Southlawn Pre-School. She also worked at Children's Dispensary. Jeannie was presently employed at Grand Emerald Place as Activities Director where she could help people and make them laugh. People always seemed to be drawn to Jean as she was always smiling, positive, strong, and up for anything that was fun and created laughter. She was comfortable in almost any situation. Whether she was having dinner in a five-star restaurant, or attending a meeting; enjoying a beer while talking and laughing with her friends, or simply riding along in the car listening to her music and car-seat dancing. She was always entertaining and a complete joy to be with. Jean Coffey Fairbanks lived her life with grace, poise and dignity. She was equipped with a dry, hilarious sense of humor and an infectious smile. She fought like a champion, in an uphill battle, always overcoming the challenges she confronted with an unmatched zest for life and a pay-it-forward attitude. If you needed help she gave you her hand and her heart. The center of our Family will be missed. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2014, at Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521 N. William St., with Rev James Campbell officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 till 8:00 p.m. today, March 28th, and one hour prior to the services on Saturday. In Jean's memory, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association , 1701 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 22311. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com. Charitable donations may be made in Jean's memory to the following organization: American Diabetes Association , 1701 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 22311.

10/13/2018 JFC