Marilynn Sue Fairchild

Marilynn Sue Fairchild, loving mother and talented artist passed away on November 24, 2021 peacefully at the age of 80 years. She was born on October 24, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, daughter to the late Virgil and Mabel Fairchild, raised in Charlotte, North Carolina and preceded in death by her brother Richard Fairchild. Marilynn had a strong spirit, but succumbed to a pulmonary condition that quickly progressed.

She is survived by her two daughters Alyssa Michelle Ghirardelli of Sacramento, California and Marina Tiffany Pender of Jacksonville, Florida, grandchildren Robert and Jack Ghirardelli and Sydney Michelle Pender. Marilynn was baptized in the Episcopal Church and shared her spirituality with her first cousin Don Fado, retired pastor of St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Sacramento, CA.

Marilynn attended the University of Texas to pursue a degree in fine art. She married Shaw Exum Pender Jr. at the age of 20 and made her career as an artist using a variety of media through painting, drawing, art prints, design, and sculpture. She went on to win many exhibits and awards, eventually becoming a commissioned portrait artist and supportive teacher of fine art. Her art was exhibited in museums and galleries across the nation and she managed her own small business of Fairchild Art. She persevered as a single mother, after moving back to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1974 where she lived for many years, dedicated to her two daughters and continuing a close relationship with her mother, caring for her until her last days. She was president of the Guild of Charlotte Artists from 1993 to 1994 and in 2002, she began hosting her own public broadcast television show which still runs to this day, “Marilynn Fairchild’s Art Insight” recording some 500 episodes over the years to help others appreciate fine art and learn new ways of expressing themselves, as well as healing themselves through the joy of creativity. Marilynn moved to Sacramento, California to be closer to her family in 2017, and became an active member of the Sacramento Fine Arts Center and Creative Art League of Sacramento. She would always speak of the importance of family and her quest for knowledge and beauty was never ending. She could see the beauty in every tree or flower, every person’s smile and every culture or landscape. She enjoyed travel, family gatherings and outdoor events. She will be deeply missed by her students, friends, family and all who knew her.

A memorial service is scheduled at Sierra 2 Center Garden Room at 2791 24th St, Sacramento, CA 95818, on December 19, 2021 from 12:00-2:00. Please contact [email protected] for a live zoom link to attend virtually. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Marilynn’s name to the Sacramento Fine Arts Center at 916-971-3713.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.harryanauman.com for the Fairchild family.