Carolyn Fairall

Carolyn Fairall, of Tempe, AZ, passed peacefully on Monday morning, November 27, in nearby Chandler at the age of 82. Born in 1941, to Patricia and Phillip (Bud) Chitwood of Chandler, she grew up there on the family farm with her three older siblings, John, Jane and Charles (Bob).

A bright, athletic child who excelled in school, she graduated from Chandler High School in 1959 and went on to later earn her Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Arizona State University.

Marrying Donald Fairall in 1968, the couple bought their home in Tempe in 1969, and began raising their son Donald Jr., born in 1970. Carol suffered a great life blow in 1975: the loss of her husband to a sudden heart attack. With unfaltering devotion to her son, she went on to spend the next several years focused solely on his well-being before returning to work.

Avidly supporting her son’s interests and talents, she sent him to piano lessons with the inimitable Mrs. Larkins in support of his musical gifts. Her talents and education led to a career in banking, where she worked until retirement. She enjoyed playing tennis and ballroom dancing and sharing big family dinners. Her fruitcake endeared her to her brother Bob, and her niece Jolie holds fond memories of toy store outings with her Aunt Carol. Loving to laugh–a contagious laugh at that, she had a clever sense of humor–of the Chandlerite ilk (folksy with a good measure of innocence) that could leave one feeling slightly off balance yet deeply tickled at the same time.

Survived by her son Don Jr., her brother Bob and his wife Julia, her nephew Bobby, her niece Jolie, and niece Randa, Carol is held close in their hearts and will be missed by all.   

A Graveside Service will be held Friday, December 15, 2023 at 11:00 am at Green Acres Cemetery, 401 Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257