Loretta Martin Fair, 73, of Bethlehem, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2016, in Moravian Village. Loretta was the wife of Phillip W. Fair and they celebrated their 50th anniversary on August 6 of this year. Born in Paterson, New Jersey, January 22, 1943, she was a daughter of the late Dr. Theodore and Ethel (Jackson) Martin. Loretta graduated from Glen Rock High School in 1961, attended Juniata College, and later transferred and graduated from Russell Sage College in New York with a B.S. degree in Biochemistry. She went on to receive a M.A. in teaching from Lehigh University in 1966. She taught biology in Pen Argyl High School from 1966-69, then sacrificed her career to stay home and raise two children. After 11 years, she returned to teaching at Northeast Junior High School from 1980-82, before having a full career at Freedom High School, teaching Biology, Anatomy and Genetics from 1982 until she retired in 2004. Following retirement, she continued to serve the community by volunteering and teaching regularly at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center in Slatington where she introduced children from throughout the Lehigh Valley to the joys and importance of science. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem (PCUSA) where she taught Sunday school, mentored youth and served as a Stephen Minister. Her interests included birds and wildlife, open water swimming on Crystal Lake on Cape Cod, walking, reading and infusing her grandchildren with an unequaled sense of joy and love. Loretta was a unique woman; intelligent, loving, caring and sensitive in ways that defy words. Survivors: She is survived by her husband, Phillip Fair; daughter, Rebecca Fair, wife of Martin Zug of Maclean, Virginia; son, Eric Fair, and wife Karin Fair of Bethlehem; grandchildren, Madeline, Calvin and Amelia Zug, and Carl Fair; sisters, Theodora Penny Martin and Frances Martin Doell. She was preceded in death by her youngest sister, Christine J. Martin. Services: A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 11 a.m. in First Presbyterian Church, 2344 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA. Arrangements, Pearson Funeral Home, Bethlehem. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Lehigh Gap Nature Center, P. O. Box 198, Slatington, PA 18080, or Friends of Crystal Lake, 128 Monument Road, Orleans, MA 02653. Online condolences may be sent to pearsonfh.com.

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Published by Morning Call on Dec. 21, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Loretta Fair

Sponsored by Pearson Funeral Home, Inc. - Bethlehem.

10 Entries

Frack Family

January 6, 2017

Fair family - very sorry to hear about your loss. She was such an amazing woman- may God give you strength to get through these difficult times

December 23, 2016

So sorry to hear of Loretta's sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Phil, Erik and Becky! We shall always remember with fondness, your visit to us in Naples and our visit at your beloved Cape.- Gisela and Jerry Damandl

Maureen Calvo

December 21, 2016

So sad to hear the news of Loretta's passing. Positive thoughts and prayers are going out for the whole family. As a colleague of hers at Freedom, I can truly say she was one of our best. I always admired her passion and commitment to educating the whole child, and building relationship with them by holding them to high expectations while always being willing to provide them the high supports needed to help them achieve!! I know she will be missed by family and friends. With love and sympathy,

Susan Syty

December 21, 2016

Mrs. Fair was probably the best teacher I've ever had. She was my biology teacher at Freedom High and also one of my youth group leaders at church. She was so passionate about science and wasn't afraid to show it- she would become so excited about viewing anything under a microscope! She taught me to love science as well and follow that path in college and with my career. She was such a great role model. I'm sad to hear the news of her passing, but it sounds like she had a very fulfilling life following her passions and making an impact on many people. I will always have fond memories of her.

Elisa Tukeva

December 21, 2016

Mrs. Fair was a wonderful teacher; 10th grade biology at Freedom was one of my favorite classes. She taught with a passion and grace that I remember even years later. What a pleasure it was to have known her and been educated by her.

Michele Jancsarics Pittenger

December 21, 2016

Please accept my condolences on Loretta's passing. She was my science teacher at Northeast Junior High School back in 1981. She was a wonderful teacher.
I wish there were more teachers like her around. She will be deeply missed.
You and your family are in my prayers.

December 21, 2016

Dear Phil and Family,Words cannot express the sadness that is felt for you as well as your Family.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.Loretta will live in your Hearts forever and her presence and guidance will look over you each and every day.Memories are forever and will bring a smile to your face each and every time your Angel is in your thoughts.May God Bless you all as you celebrate the Life of your Loving Wife,Mother and Grand Mother.Blessings to you all,Rich& Millie Wescoe

Paul Davis

December 21, 2016

She was one of the only teachers that actually believed in me....my condolences to the family.

Guy Smith

December 21, 2016

I had the opportunity to work with both Phil and Loretta in the Bethlehem Area School District. Both were fine people and caring teachers. Although I have not seen Loretta since she retired, I was greatly saddened to hear of her passing. She will be missed. Condolences to her family.

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