Jean Fay

1920 - 2017

Jean Elizabeth Fay

September 30, 1920

San Francisco — Jean Elizabeth Fay, a long-time resident of San Francisco, passed away peacefully on Monday August 7th, 2017. Born in 1920 in San Francisco, Jean attended The Hamlin School. During her high school years Jean was a cashier at the Elizabeth Inn on Van Ness, a restaurant and hotel run by her grandmother Elizabeth Ennis. Upon graduation Jean joined I. Magnin as a model and later moved into retail sales.
Jean married Peter Fay in 1943 and together they founded Young Man's Fancy, a boy's and men's clothing store; they owned and co-managed the Laurel Village icon for 48 years. Jean was the inspiration for the store and throughout its successful run she helped with management, and was a sales phenomenon, known for her ability to assist customers when they needed the "right" dress for any life event including baptisms, bar mitzvahs, and graduations. Known for her wonderful aesthetic styles, Jean was the creative force behind the scenes. She decorated all the store windows, changing them every month. She searched the world for the best merchandise with Peter and was well known for her Robert Talbott tie selection.
Jean also took a management interest in Laurel Village and was President of the Association for several years.
Jean was a talented flower arranger, a lifetime member of the San Francisco Garden Club, and an amateur watercolor painter.
Jean had a natural gift with people and made friends easily; she was close friends with her colleagues from Young Man's Fancy, and with the many merchants in Laurel Village. She was forever discovering new talent and new ideas. She is survived by her three sons: Peter, Michael and Kevin, her daughter Jeanie, five grandchildren: Patrick, Jack, Peter, Emerson and Reilly Ann, and 2 great grandchildren; Francesca and William, all of whom brought great joy to her in her later years. The family will have a private memorial.