Joanne Fairbanks

MILLBURY – Joanne (Davis) Fairbanks, 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 15th surrounded by her closest family.

Joanne is predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Norman C. Fairbanks, Sr. who passed in December of 2023, along with two sons, Norman C. Fairbanks, Jr. who passed in March of 2007 and Kenneth S. Fairbanks who passed in December 2023.

Joanne leaves her daughter, Katherine Fairbanks of Millbury; five grandchildren, Megan Ricardi and her husband, Joseph of Charlton, Jared Carlson and his partner, Heather Demuth of Millbury, Rachel Houlden and her husband, Tyler of Grafton, Amanda Fairbanks and her mother Laurie Fairbanks of Auburn and Rebekah Fairbanks of Worcester; ten great grandchildren, Joey, Tallula, Alivia, Sydney, Haiden, Julian, Vivian, Kennedy, Braelyn and Cade; two sisters, Gail Valentine of Dudley and Patricia Davis of Webster; a brother who predeceased her, Francis Davis; Joel Carlson and his fiancé, Sally Sampson; nieces, nephews and her Amish friends of Lancaster, PA.

Joanne attended St. Louis Catholic School in Webster as a young girl, where she made lifelong friendships. She worked as a hairdresser for many years and became a certified nursing assistant later in life. It also brough Joanne joy driving a van for special needs students.

In her retirement years, Joanne and Norman traveled the country in their RV, seeing many different sites and enjoyed time “Glamping” whenever they could. Joanne was a very spiritual woman, God and church were the guiding light to the way she lived her life. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Brigid Church and gave back to her church community in a variety of ways.

Most of all her family brought her the most happiness. Whether it was her weekly visits with her sisters or spending time with the grandchildren and great grandchildren, being surrounded by family was her happy place. She was the best babysitter, and everyone will remember receiving a handmade “Babcia Blanket” that she crocheted herself.

Family and friends will honor and remember Joanne’s life by gathering for a time of visitation on Thursday, March 19th from 4 to 7 p.m. in Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street, Millbury. 

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 20th at 10:30 a.m. in St. Brigid Church, 59 N. Main Street, Millbury with burial to follow in West Millbury Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Notre Dame Healthcare Hospice, 555 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605 or to St. Brigid Church, 59 N. Main Street, Millbury MA 01527

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If you wish to send flowers to these services, Mulhane Home for Funerals recommends contacting a local florist directly for the best experience and value.

Local Florist:

Floral Boutique 508-754-5637 www.floralboutiquemillbury.com 

Posies N Presents 508-581-4164 www.posiesnpresents.com