Beryl Ann Fairchild

Beryl Anne Fairchild passed peacefully on Wednesday, January 18th, 2023.  She was a "Lancashire Lassie" born in Swinton, Lancashire, England.  Born at the tale end of WWII, she often spoke about the rations for food and hearing the sirens when the bombers were close.  She remembered running to the bomb shelter her father had built in their backyard while hearing the bombs dropping overhead, praying their house wouldn't be next to get hit.

Daughter of the late Fred and Edna Mason (nee Beard).  Loving mother to Michael and Susan, grandmother to Matthew, Michael, and Katharine.  Great grandmother to Levi.  Pre-deceased by her Aunt Maude and her cousins Colin (Brenda) Hill, Brian Hill and Joan and (Mike), and many cousins on her father's side.  Sister-in-law to Anne and Brian, aunt to Carol, Christine, and Jennifer from the U.K.

She immigrated to Canada in 1956 with her parents.  Her father was asked to come to Canada to help design the Avro Arrow, and Beryl joined her father working at Avro's.   She was extremely proud of her connection with the Avro Arrow and later was the secretary for the Avro Arrow Club.  Through her father, she is connected to the design of the Lancaster Bomber, the Harrier Jump Jet, and the Concorde.  Eric Fairchild, whom she’d been courting in England followed her over to Canada.  They were married on August 2, 1958 and settled into their new life in Canada.

Beryl was an excellent assistant to a QC. criminal lawyer for 35 years and fostered many friends throughout her self-taught career.  She loved learning all aspects about criminal law.

Beryl was an avid gardener and loved her English roses!  She had many compliments over the years on her gorgeous garden.  She was an accomplished pianist who enjoyed playing the classics as well as a good old sing song, playing the old war time tunes, as her mother did.  Beryl was also a wonderful seamstress who sewed her own clothes, the children's clothes, Halloween costumes, curtains, tablecloths, etc.

She loved history and often said that if she had her time again, she'd become an archaeologist or even an interior decorator.  She had such a wonderful eye for decor and putting everything together.  She was always dressed to the nines, matching handbag, shoes, and gorgeous jewelry.  Classy Beryl!  She was drawn to Britain's medieval history, all things "Royal" and Coronation Street.  She also loved antiques and her Florentine furniture.

She had many lifelong friends in particular Pat, a childhood friend from Swinton who also immigrated to Canada.  She had unwavering support throughout her illness with friends and neighbours, most importantly from her lifelong friend June who was always there, no matter what.  Beryl and June sharing the battle together!  She fought a valiant battle with cancer for over 5 years with hardly a complaint.  She just got on with it...no point in complaining.

A Liturgy of the Word will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 65 Amelia St., Barrie on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 1:00 p.m., and for those who are not able to attend, you are welcome to view the Service at the link provided below.  Following the Liturgy there will be an Entombment at Glendale Memorial Gardens, Etobicoke.

https://www.facebook.com/st.marysbarrie/videos/500235622222438/

Thank you to Dr. Dickson for his marvelous care, and to all the staff at Hospice Simcoe.  In memory of Beryl, donations may be made to Hospice Simcoe.  Online memories and condolences may be made at www.peacefultransition.ca

She was the bravest, strongest woman I have ever known, and she was our mum.  Love you mum

As Vera Lynn sang,

“Let’s say goodbye with a smile, dear

Just for a while dear we must part

Don’t let this parting upset

I’ll not forget you sweetheart 

We’ll meet again

Don’t know where, don’t know when

But I know we’ll meet again some sunny day”