Joan Fairbairn Watson

Joan F. Watson, 87, of Springfield, passed away from a sudden illness on Wednesday, October 16, at Memorial Medical Center. She was born Joan Marie Fairbairn, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Lewis H. and Berenice M. (Bowers) Fairbairn. Joan received a Bachelors of Science in Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She taught Spanish and French in the Springfield and Fort Myers, FL public schools. Joan loved nature especially flowers and birds. She was an avid Bridge player with a great sense of humor. She had a love of reading and was always on a quest for knowledge. Joan had a deep love for fine arts; she especially enjoyed the French Impressionist Artists, the ballet, and the opera. Joan served on the Lincoln Library Board of Directors from 1970-1973.

Surviving Joan are her twin daughters Elaine Elise Terrell of Santa Fe, NM, and Elizabeth Terrell Phillips (Donald) of Fort Collins, CO, also surviving are her brother Lewis Fairbairn (Ann); sister Barbara Ryberg (Charles); her nephews Thomas J. Fairbairn (Kathleen) , Edward Fairbairn (Mary), and Erik Bowers Ryberg.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son Michael Andrew Terrell, and by her sister Elizabeth Goyak.

In accordance to Joan’s wishes cremation rites will be accorded. There will be a memorial gathering on Wednesday, October 23, at 2 p.m. at the Washington Plaza Community Room, 2301 W Washington St. Springfield, IL 62702.

In lieu of flowers those who wish to leave memorials in her name may do so to The Southwest Indian Foundation.

Please share in Joan’s “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com