Arlene M Fair

Arlene Mary Fair, wife of Cornelius Fair and founder of Fair Acres Day Camp in Marstons Mills, passed away January 3rd after a battle with cancer. Arlene graduated from Hyannis Teachers College in 1940, spent two years teaching in Falmouth and received a Masters Degree from Boston University. She and her husband ran Fair Acres Day Camp each summer from 1950 through 1968. Arlene Fair taught in the Newton School System from 1942 through 1982. Mrs. Fair left a legacy of mathematics instruction that brought international attention. Her methods stressed the use of manipulative tools to instill basic arithmetic concepts and proved its success through dramatic rises in the standardized test scores. Working with other Newton educators, she helped develop a "chip-trading" educational program, which was marketed in 1973. She was also involved in the marketing of a fraction-rods children’s activity program. During her life, she touched the lives of thousands of children. She served as an adjunct faculty member for Simmons and Brandeis. After her retirement, she and her husband wintered in Florida and traveled extensively. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Veronica and John Canning of Virginia, three grandchildren Army Captain Jeffrey Canning and his wife Rachel based at Ft. Lewis, WA, Cynthia Propst and her husband Benjamen of Atlanta, GA and Christopher Canning and his wife Meredith of Charleston SC and one great grandchild.

Visiting hours will be held from 3 to 6pm 16 January at Doane, Beale & Ames Funeral Home, 160 West Main St., Hyannis, MA. A Funeral Mass will be held on 17 January at 10:30AM at Our Lady of Victory in Centerville, MA followed by interment at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA.

Memorial donations may be made to the Centerville Public Library, 585 Main St., Centerville, MA 02632