Obituaries, May 13, 2008

Virginia

Halderson

Fairchild

Virginia Halderson Fairchild of Oberlin died peacefully at her home on Saturday, May 3, 2008, surrounded by her family. She was 91.

Born in Elkins, W.Va., she moved to Medina as a young child.

Taught early by her mother, she became an extraordinary pianist, performing in her community and earning part of her college expenses by giving piano lessons. She graduated from Baldwin Wallace College with a double major in piano and Spanish.

It was also at Baldwin Wallace where she met her future husband, Stewart Fairchild. Shortly after graduation she moved with her husband to Oberlin, where he had accepted teaching and coaching positions at Oberlin High School. During that time, she played the organ in Oberlin and surrounding communities, taught piano, accompanied Conservatory students, and played at numerous weddings.

She worked 26 years at Eastwood and Prospect elementary schools, where she was always concerned for the broader health and well-being of her students as well as their classroom performance. As an Executive Teacher, she helped shape the ORBIT program, developing curriculum and mini-courses that fostered independent thinking and learning.

After retiring she volunteered at the Lorain County Joint Vocational School, teaching reading to adult learners and English to adults new to this country.

In addition to her piano playing, which she shared with her family until recently, she enjoyed reading, painting, and bird-watching. She was a member of First Church in Oberlin UCC, Junior Forum, and the 19th Century Club. Her life and accomplishments were and continue to be a source of joy and inspiration for her family.

Mrs. Fairchild is survived by her daughters Sharon Soucy of Oberlin, Nancy Puleo of Columbus, and Susan Fairchild of Tallahassee, Fla.; granddaughter, Jennifer Shults of Oberlin; grandsons Jeffrey Shults of San Francisco, Calif., Gregory Stephens of Princeton, N.J., and Timothy Stephens of Seattle, Wash.; and two great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to visit the family on Thursday, May 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the home at 390 Morgan St.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Life Hospice of Community Health Partners, 5255 N. Abbe Rd., Elyria, 44035; or to the Oberlin City Schools, 185 N. Main St., Oberlin, 44074.

Marian Baum

A memorial service for Marian Baum will be held in the meeting house of The First Church in Oberlin, United Church of Christ on Saturday, May 17 at 2 p.m.

During the service there will an opportunity for family, friends, and acquaintances to share their thoughts and memories of Marian. Following the service there will be a reception in the fellowship hall.

Louis Lee

West

Louis Lee West of Oberlin died suddenly, Monday, May 5, 2008, at Allen Medical Center. He was 79.

Born Oct. 30, 1928, in Oberlin, he worked as a brickmason for many years.

He was a member of Rust United Methodist Church, United Methodist Men, the Sparrows Bible study group, NAACP, and Union 45 Local 34.

He enjoyed visiting the sick and shut-ins, gardening, fishing, travelling, and being active in the Oberlin community.

Services were Friday at Rust United Methodist Church, the Rev. Lorenzo Smart, pastor, officiating. Private family burial will be at a later date.

Cowling Funeral Home handled local arrangements.

Norman Fredrick

Schmidt

Norman Fredrick Schmidt of Oberlin died suddenly, Thursday, May 8, 2008, at his home. He was 86.

Born Jan. 25, 1922, in Cleveland, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, from January 1942 to November 1945

He served on the Oberlin police department for 28 years. He rose through the ranks and served as police chief from 1974 to 1976.

He worked as a court officer for one year and at the Oberlin Savings Bank for two years. He moved to Florida in 1979, then came back to Oberlin in 1985, working for Powers & Dawley until 1998.

He was a founding member and first Commander of the Oberlin VFW #6273 in 1959. He was a member of Church of the Open Door in Elyria, the Fraternal Order of Police, Ohio Association of Police Chiefs, and the Exchange Club of Oberlin.

He was an avid fisherman.

Mr. Schmidt is survived by his nephew, Howard Codney of Elyria. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen; parents, John Fredrick and Laura Schmidt; and brother, Ernest Schmidt.

Services were Monday at Cowling Funeral Home. Burial was at Westwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Oberlin VFW #6273, 42369 Oberlin-Elyria Rd., Elyria, OH 44035.