Fay Noell, 98, of Raleigh, NC died peacefully on Thursday, April 29th. The daughter of John Thomas Ward and Elizabeth Elcock, she was born in Hednesford, Staffordshire, England on July 1, 1922, the oldest of two daughters.
Fay came of age during World War II and served in the British Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). She vividly recounted stories of the bombs and destruction during the air raids over England. After VE day, she served in Hanover, Germany to support the reconstruction before returning home. After her return she worked as the Social Director for American GIs stationed at the Mildenhall RAF base where she met her future husband, airman Thomas (Tom) Edward Noell.
Fay and Tom married on November 14, 1953 in Virginia Water, Surry, England. They moved to the United States in 1954 and lived in Shelby, NC before returning to England in 1959 where Tom was assigned by the Red Cross. In 1964 the family returned to the United States and in 1970 made Raleigh their home where they completed raising their three daughters. In the 1980’s and 1990’s Fay worked for the NC Department of Revenue.
Fay lived an amazing 98 years and enjoyed life to the fullest right up until the end. Her passions were family, travel and her garden. Over the last ten years she traveled extensively both domestically and internationally with her daughters and grandchildren. Her last overseas trip was to London, England in 2019 with her children and grandchildren to celebrate her 97th birthday at her favorite spot in London, The Victory Services Club. In 2018 she took a river cruise down the Danube with two of her daughters and their families. Staying in touch was so important to Fay and she traveled to England on a regular basis to visit with both her British relatives as well as friends she’s known for over 70 years. On Fay’s last visit to England, she connected with Barbara Mathews, one of her roommates from London in the late 1940’s to celebrate her 97th birthday.
Fay stayed active and lived independently until just a few weeks prior to her death. She always enjoyed a nice oaky Chardonnay along with dinner with family and friends. Fay was active in several organizations, most notably the TBPA (Trans-Atlantic Brides and Parents Association) and the English Speaking Union. She also volunteered with the American Red Cross and contributed to several charities from community health, animal safety and public television and radio.
Fay epitomized what we now recognize as “the greatest generation”. She was ever an optimist, and always had something good to say about everything and everyone. She conducted herself with a great sense of humor, a sense of forgiveness, and had an “I can do anything” approach to every situation she faced.
Fay and Tom had three daughters Elizabeth McDonald (Paul McDonald), Louise Noell (John Velling), and Sarah Noell (Harry Nicholos).
Fay is preceded in death by her husband Tom and her sister Edwina Broz. She is survived by her daughters, 8 grandchildren, John and Julia McDonald, Kelly McDonald Packan, Seneca and Zachary Velling, and Alex, Rachael and Emily Nicholos, nieces and nephews Catherine Broz, Sandy Purcell, Challye Noell Johnson, Torrey Dial, Ellis Noell, Priscilla Thomas and Peggy Smith, and her cousin Janet Johnson.
Fay’s fitting epitaph is “a life well lived”.
A private Celebration of Life will be held for Fay.
Donations may be made to the American Red Cross in memory of Fay.
Services provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh.
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