Mary Jane Fairbank's Obituary
Mary Jane Fairbank of Sherwood, MD died peacefully at home under hospice care and surrounded by family on Monday February 3rd, 2025. She was 93.
She was predeceased by her husband Charles Leonard Fairbank, Jr., her brother Varnon Eugene Haddaway Jr., and her parents Varnon Eugene (Bunzy) Haddaway and Alice Wrightson Haddaway.
She is survived by her four children, Charles Randall Fairbank, Christie Fairbank Henckel (Frank), Robert Vard Fairbank, and Julia Marie Fairbank. She was the loving grandparent to 7 grandchildren and great grandparent of 5 great grandchildren.
Mary Jane was a one-of-a-kind original Eastern Shore woman having lived in the triangle of Tilghman Island, Poplar Island and Sherwood her entire life. She was known as a master cook and baker and would always provide the classic fare and treats for her family, friends and neighbors whom she cherished. An all-day or all-night card game was her favorite entertainment joy. Her time as a young woman on the Poplar Islands provided the opportunity to meet US Presidents and many Congressional leaders as her parents managed the Jefferson Island Club until the club moved after a devastating clubhouse fire. Just a couple of years ago she donated a table saved from the fire. It was used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for signing documents on Jefferson Island in front of the press. The photo and table are now displayed at the Tilghman Waterman's Museum on Tilghman Island.
She volunteered regularly and always found joy in lending a helping hand including teaching visitors about the wonders of waterman's wharf at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. She was deeply involved in the Sherwood Methodist Church, Eastern Star, PAL Class of Sherwood and other organizations. As age progressed, her home of 60 years in Sherwood was filled with memories and frequent visits from family, treasured neighbors and friends.
A viewing will be held Friday February 14th from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at the Framptom Funeral Home-Ostrowski Chapel 312 S. Talbot Street, St. Michaels.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday February 15th at 1:00pm at the Sherwood Methodist Church followed by Interment in the Sherwood Community Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Tilghman Waterman's Museum, P.O. Box 344 or the Tilghman Fire Dept. P.O. Box 297 Tilghman, Md. 21671.
(Please visit www.framptom.com)
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