Elizabeth S. Fairbairn

Beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Elizabeth S. Fairbairn of Amherst N.H. passed away on November 29, 2025, at Fairview Memory Care, Hudson NH, after a long illness surrounded by her family.

Liz was born August 19, 1941 in Margaretville N.Y., daughter of Norman and Jessie Garton Sanford. She was a graduate of Margaretville Central School, class of 1959, and from NY State University, at Oneonta, class of1963, with a BS degree in Elementary Education.

She is survived by her husband, LeRoy W. Fairbairn, and 2 children, daughter Carol Brooks and husband Donald, and son Michael A. Fairbairn and wife Paula. Liz is also survived by two grandchildren, Alan M. Fairbairn and Beth A. Brooks, and two step grandchildren, Tim Wright and Trevor Wright, and 2 great granddaughters, Calysta and Aurora, and nephew Frank Hart. She was pre-deceased by her sister Carol Lynne Hart, and nephew Bret Hart.

Liz taught for several years in Afton NY, before switching careers to work in public libraries at Sidney NY, and Amherst, NH for over 25 years. Liz loved gardening and travel. A highlight was a trip to the Holy Land and several other foreign countries, including 10 of the Canadian Provinces. Liz was a teacher at heart, always offering tips with recipes, gardening, and home care. She loved reading anything from mysteries to classic novels to a gardening magazine. She truly enjoyed children and her pet dogs, along with family time and a good game of pinochle.

She also was active in a former church. While there, formed a special needs group, to provide a safe place for people with disabilities. She also served on the board of trustees and led a couple’s club.

In her later years she and her husband spent many summers at their summer home on Shellcamp Lake in Gilmanton N.H. where she also served as the President of the Lake Association, and organized many group activities and dinners.

SERVICES:  Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street in Milford, NH, a funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM in the funeral home chapel.  Burial will be in the Andes N.Y. cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Southern N.H. Rescue Mission.