Isabel Strait Fairey Sundlie

Isabel Strait Fairey Sundlie, died at home on May 6, 2025, attended by her devoted children Dr. Shane Megan Sundlie and Nathan Alec Sundlie. Isabel was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Philip W. Fairey, Jr. and Harriet Gage Fairey, of Columbia, S.C.

Isabel is survived by her loving husband, of 35 years, Elmer Dennis Sundlie, her children Dr. Shane Megan Sundlie, M.D. and her spouse Joseph Theophil Dib of Clinton, N.C.; and Nathan Alec Sundlie and his spouse Michele Abigail Cason of Greenville, S.C.; her brothers Philip Washington Fairey, III, and his wife, Patricia (Pat) Ann Fairey, of Merritt Island, Florida; Dr. George Gage Fairey, M.D. and his wife Karen Lago Fairey, of Matthews, N.C.; William Gaston Fairey and his wife Elaine Chapman Fairey, of Columbia, S.C.; Dr. John Ormond Fairey, M.D. and his wife Marie Johnson Fairey, of Columbia, S.C.

Isabel spent much of her life involved in swimming. As a young girl, she excelled in the sport competing in AAU events throughout the Southeast. Her accomplishments earned her a spot in Sports Illustrated “Faces in the Crowd” in the mid-1960s when she won seven races in a regional swimming competition. Her butterfly was a thing of beauty as she cut through the water with a grace seldom seen in this demanding stroke. After swimming competitively, Isabel turned to coaching the sport she loved. Isabel was the high school swimming coach for both Courtney Shealy and Bobby Bowman. Courtney went on to win a gold medal in a relay at the Sydney Olympics while Bobby went on to coach multiple Olympic swimmers, including Michael Phelps. For years she instructed young swimmers in the Columbia area and encouraged each of them to strive for success not only in swimming but in life as well. Isabel was also a college anatomy and physiology lab instructor for 12 years and taught high school biology. She had a true passion for teaching which was evident in both the classroom and at the pool. Her desire was always to strive for excellence and this characteristic is well remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

There was always a special place in her heart for dogs. During her retirement she enjoyed breeding golden retrievers and Mags, her faithful golden, was with her for the past nine years and a blessing to her throughout her illness. Coming from a family with a history of medical service, she was thrilled when her children both followed on that path. Shane enjoys a thriving Pediatric practice in eastern North Carolina and Nathan and his spouse are accomplished nurses in the Greenville, S.C. hospital system. If you wanted to earn a smile from Isabel, ask her about her children. Her greatest delight was to be at the beach with her family and Mags.

When asked about her faith in God Isabel would say that God had been working on her heart for years. About 28 years ago Isabel accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior. At that time the Sundlies became involved at Heritage Presbyterian Church where they were faithfully involved and grew in their faith. Isabel had so many favorite Bible verses it was hard for her to choose a favorite. She loved the Christmas season and especially Christmas music. Her favorite Christmas carol was “What child is this?” and one of her favorite hymns was “Amazing Grace.” As her illness progressed, she often talked of looking forward to heaven and enjoyed hearing various Psalms read.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 28th, at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 2547 Rainbow Dr, West Columbia, SC 29170.

For those of you wishing to express your sympathy please consider memorials to Susan G. Komen, the American Cancer Society or Heritage Presbyterian Church.