Grace Fairley Sheldon

Salem-Grace Fairley Sheldon, age 92, of Salem, passed away peacefully at home on January 10, 2018.  She was the daughter of Ray and Mina Fairley of Salem and the third of their four children.  She was predeceased by her brother Ralph Fairley of Salem and her sisters Harriet Wyllie and Mary Fairley.                                                                                                               

In 1943, Grace graduated from Salem Washington Academy and then lived for a year in New York City attending the McDowell School for Designing and Dressmaking. From 1946 to 1947, she completed a course St. Margaret’s House and Hospital Training School for Well Baby Nurses in Albany.

In 1948, Grace married Milton (“Hap”) Sheldon, who passed away in 1994.  They had two sons, Daniel (Valerie) and James (Karen), both of Salem.  She is also survived by six grandchildren:  Nathaniel Sheldon, Emily Sheldon-Waniga, Jennifer Cary, Briana Beebe, Lauren Weir, and Mackenzie Chaput, and by 10 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

For many years Grace enjoyed various projects, was an expert at knitting, crocheting, needlepointing, and cross-stitch, and in later years was known for her photography. As the Woody Hill Shutterbug, she produced notecards, calendars, and postcards featuring local scenery.

 A lifelong member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Salem, Grace served in several capacities over the years.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the church in her memory.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church, 13 West Broadway in Salem with Rev. Donna Jackson officiating. All are welcome to join the family after the service for a reception in the church chapel.  

Interment will be in the spring at Evergreen Cemetery in Salem.

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