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Barbara Fairclough Obituary

Barbara Keller Fairclough
Barbara Keller Fairclough 1948-2025
Barbara Keller Fairclough died peacefully in the late hours of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, following a hard fought battle with breast cancer. She was born in Manhattan on May 8th, 1948, and raised by her loving parents, Anna and Sol Sandler. She grew up in Bronxville, NY, where she thrived, growing up with many good friends and was quite the academic. Having skipped two grades, she graduated from high school and attended the University of Rhode Island, graduating with a bachelor's degree in biology. A microbiologist, she worked for many years at New York Hospital, before starting a family with her college sweetheart, Marek Keller. After a period of time living in Peekskill, NY, Marek and Barbara relocated to Darien, CT where they raised their children, Stephanie and Barrett. A dedicated mother, wife, and longtime administrator at Kelly Associates Real Estate, Barbara enjoyed quite a life with her family.
Many years after the death of Marek, Barbara was blessed to have crossed paths with Gordon Fairclough, who became her second husband. Barbara and Gordon had the joy of watching Stephanie marry John Lynch, Barrett marry Kingsley Howe and welcoming her two grandchildren, Wynnie and Lane Keller, on whom she doted endlessly and who brought her so much joy in the later years of her life.
After twenty years of marriage and companionship, Gordon predeceased Barbara, passing in 2022. Barbara met her cancer diagnosis with the courage and strength that she brought to all her endeavors throughout her life. A warrior during adversarial times, she fought bravely to spend as much time with her family and friends as she could. On April 23, 2025, Barbara found peace after a life very, very well lived. She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie, and her husband, John, of Grafton, MA, her son, Barrett, and his wife, Kingsley, her two grandchildren, Wynnie and Lane, all of Darien, CT and her stepsons Gordon and his partner, Junho Kim, of London, UK and Gregory Fairclough of Florida.
A funeral service and celebration of Barbara's life will be held at First Congregational Church in Darien, CT at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Darien Times on Apr. 28, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

In loving memory, from CION

Planted Trees

Peaceful Reflections

Love The Ellie Framingham Team

Sent Flowers

Louise Chadborne

April 29, 2025

Dear Stephanie and family members I am so very sorry for your loss sending hugs and prayers

Single Memorial Tree

Katie & Richard Oakford

Planted Trees

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Harris and Audra Kaplan

Planted Trees

Elizabeth Spehar

April 28, 2025

Im so sorry for your loss. Sending our sincerest sympathy and love, Lizzie Spehar

David Amentola

April 26, 2025

What a beautifully written tribute to a brilliant person who left a lasting legacy. My condolences and love to Barbara's family

New Canaan, Ct. resident

April 26, 2025

May God bless this amazing individual and may she rest in everlasting peace.
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,

Lauri & Dave Amentola

April 26, 2025

May Barbara's life be a blessing.
Rest in peace.
With sympathy in this time of mourning and with love everlasting as memories and stories continue to be shared.
Love, peace, hope, joy,
Lauri and Dave Amentola

Single Memorial Tree

John & Pam Hutchinson

Planted Trees

Amy Olsen Radev

April 26, 2025

Hi Stephanie, So sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. I have memories that seem like they go back forever, reminding me of some of the most carefree times in my life. Cold rinks, countless pizza parties and so many laughs - what a gift! She was such a kind soul, a wonderful friend to my parents, and her presence will be deeply felt. I know she will be truly missed. Sending love and comfort to you and the family. All my love, Amy

Scott and Lynn Conant

April 25, 2025

We are deeply saddened that Barbara endured Marek and Gordon´s health travails and, then, her own. That she exhibited grace and grit during her final days came as no surprise. We first met Barbara and Marek at the Darien Ice Rink when Barret was seven. Over the ensuing years we laughed heartily and often and thoroughly enjoyed their company. More recently, we created great memories in Jamestown, RI with Barbara and Gordon. We loved Barbara. She was a wise, fun, highly intelligent confidante more than willing to help friends in parlous times. We will miss her, yet are comforted knowing that our final resting places in Spring Grove won´t be too far apart. God bless you, Barbara. We posted the Starliners "Since I Don´t Have You" on FB today in your memory.

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Memorial Events
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Apr

30

Funeral service

10:00 a.m.

First Congregational Church

Darien, CT

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Lawrence Funeral Home - Darien

2119 Boston Post Rd, Darien, CT 06820

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