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Mary Fairbanks Obituary
Mary was born on October 29, 1942 in Minneapolis to John L Heller and Suzanne Heller. She first wed her high school boyfriend, David Rawcliffe, and had 2 children in those years, Eric and Christine. Additionally, she married Roger Osbaldeston and eventually settled in Camarillo, CA with her beloved husband Grant Fairbanks.
Mary received musical training at the University of Illinois and at Lawrence College Conservatory in Wisconsin, and earned her Master of Fine Arts degree at the California Institute of the Arts.
She had a long career as a soloist performing with the LA Philharmonic Orchestra, the Boston, Denver, Utah, and Phoenix Symphonies. She toured the world with the Roger Wagner Chorale and performed with many conductors including Zubin Mehta, Andre Previn, Christopher Hogwood and Nichols McGegan. She taught voice and performance practice at both UCLA and USC.
A private memorial is being planned for late spring.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Fairbanks
4 Entries
Ed Wichers, (former lecturer French language in Holland)
August 16, 2024
Dear family and relatives. Tonight I admired the most beautiful voice of Mary. The excellent performance of "Les plaisirs d´amour" in old French is beyond imagination. A real perfection. I am grateful to have found this discovery.
Becky Stannard
August 8, 2023
Mary and I were childhood friends in Prospect Park, Minneapolis. A few years ago we reconnected while visiting a mutual friend in Sebastopol. Such a talented woman.
Bob Parker
April 13, 2023
With deepest sympathy
Kathleen McIntosh
April 13, 2023
Beloved friend and exceptional musician. My sincerest condolences to her family. All of us who knew her will miss her very much.
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How to support Mary's loved ones
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