Mary DeLorenzo Fairbanks

Mary DeLorenzo Fairbanks - May 19, 1920 - November 25, 2016

Mary (DeLorenzo) Fairbanks was born in Racine on May 19, 1920 to Joseph and Anna (Pepitone) DeLorenzo. Mary was a woman of great intelligence, elegant style, insatiable curiosity, and immense charm. She graduated from Wm Horlick High in 1938 and attended Union Grove Teachers’ College. Later she worked as a supervisor at the telephone company and as an administrative assistant at Rainfair Manufacturing.

On October 1, 1949 she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Charles W. Fairbanks. They enjoyed 30 years together through happy and difficult times, but always remained in love. He preceded her in death in 1979.

Over the years, Mary continued to cultivate and express her creative spirit through various courses, hobbies, and volunteer positions to include writing the Christian Mothers’ Newsletter, serving as president of MACCW, and serving on the steering committee to launch the Headstart program in Racine. In her later years, she was employed by the Maresh-Meredith Funeral Home as a funeral pre-planner and secretary. The entire Meredith family became dear friends and remained so over the course of fifty years.

Throughout her life, she raised homemaking to a fine art. She was a gourmet cook, fine decorator, and fashion trendsetter. She made hospitality her special care and many guests enjoyed delicious meals and lively conversation at her table. However, according to her, raising her four children was her greatest joy.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, seven siblings and their spouses. She is survived by her four children: Barbara (Peter) Sorenson; Michael (Deborah)Fairbanks; Christopher Fairbanks; Mark (Margaret) Fairbanks; six grandchildren and their spouses: Katherine Sorenson (Scott Siemianowski); Philip Sorenson (Olivia Cronk); Gregory Sorenson (Chiyomi Sorenson); Eric Sorenson, Charles Fairbanks, Harrison Fairbanks and four great-grandchildren: Miyu, Yuki, Louise, and Leif.

She is also survived by her dear cousin, Mary Maritato and close friend, Nella Aiello.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, December 17, 2016, 11:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Avenue. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Saturday at the church from 9:30 A.M. until time of Mass at 11:00 A.M. Memorials in Mary’s name can be made to the nonprofit Islands of Brilliance, Milwaukee WI.