Claire H Fairley

Claire Elizabeth Haines Fairley, age 95, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2013, after a long illness at her home in Birmingham. She was born in Sewickley, PA. and was the daughter of the late Clara Koch and James B. Haines, III.

Mrs. Fairley was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Albert Langley Fairley, Jr. and her brothers and sisters-in-law: J. Barr Haines, IV (Isobel) and John K. Haines (Janet). She is survived by her nephews: James B. Haines, V, (Marnie), James Fairley, Jr. and Arthur McWane Fairley and nieces; Susan H. Payne (Gene) and Sarah W. Trippett (Bill). Also surviving are many great and great nephews and nieces.

Mrs. Fairley attended Sewicley Academy, class of 1934, Dana Hall and Connecticut College, class of 1941. She was married in 1949 and lived in Pittsburgh, Toronto and Montreal. In 1972, they moved to Birmingham, after Albert retired. Claire and Albert loved to travel. They visited almost every continent. Her favorite country was France. Mrs. Fairley loved the arts and flowers. She was a patron of the Alabama Symphony, Alys Stevens Center, Birmingham Museum of Art and Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The Botanical Gardens was one of her most frequent destinations. She was a member of the Birmingham and Mountain Brook Country Clubs, many garden and literary clubs, Daughters of the American Revolution and many other organizations.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the caregivers, Marilyn Young, Yashica Allen, LaDareus Young, LaKendra Young, Thelma Howard and Teaonga Harris,. They gave so much loving care and comfort to make her last years wonderful.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 2100 4th Ave. North on Friday, May 10, 2013. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, she asked that donations be made to First Light Women’s Center or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com