Noreen Fairbank

Noreen S. Fairbank, June 28, 1939 - February 8, 2011

Scottsdale, AZ - Noreen S. Fairbank, June 28, 1939 - February 8, 2011, of Scottsdale, AZ and Mechanicville, NY. She was daughter of the late Harry W. Fairbank and Bernice Redanz Fairbank.

Noreen is further survived by her sister, Evalyn (Richard) Sprowl of Marion, IN and her loving nieces and nephews; her best friend, housemate, Janet Conti, "Chip" and "Lady"; her long-time friend, Theresa Perrin (FL), and by many friends in NY, AZ and FL. She was predeceased by her siblings: Edith Roberta Fairbank, Effie Theola (Edward) Nicholson and Harry W. Fairbank, Jr. (Joanne).

Born at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC, where her father was stationed, Noreen spent her childhood in Fillmore and Hornell, NY. She attended SUNY Brockport, then transferred to St. James Nursing School (Sisters of Mercy). Upon receiving her RN, Noreen entered the military, becoming a US Air Force nurse and serving in Vietnam, England and California. Following her military service, she specialized in trauma and ER in VT and FL and devoted years to service in law enforcement in FL and NY. Appointed as the first nurse for the Highlands County, FL jail, Noreen initiated the medical unit for county inmates. She was also appointed as Deputy Sheriff. In her final career assignment, Noreen provided medical care to inmates in several maximum security facilities in NYS. In her free time she was an active sports enthusiast and especially enjoyed playing softball (pitcher) and boating. An avid sports fan (Notre Dame "Fighting Irish"), she happily watched her favorite team, the Green Bay Packers, win the 2011 Super Bowl.

Throughout her life Noreen's love of animals was evident, starting with her childhood pet, a dog named Flipper. From helping a neighbor in Fillmore, NY break horses as a young girl to having a kennel of Yorkshire Terriers, and from dual training of her dog, Ace, to rescuing and retraining abandoned and mistreated dogs, her compassion, knowledge and respect were always evident. She was an active supporter and volunteer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Kanab, Utah.

Noreen was a member of the First Church in Albany (Reformed) where she shared her marvelous voice and love of music in the choir. A committed Christian, she now sings joyfully in the heavenly choir of her Lord Jesus Christ.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 11am at the First Church in Albany 110 North Pearl Street Albany

Contributions may be made in her memory to the Best Friends Animal Society 5001 Angel Canyon Road Kanab, UT 84741 or the Hospice of the Valley, Sherman Home, 1510 E. Flower Street Phoenix, AZ 85014.

Add A Private Note To The Family Guest Book

 Service Information