Obituary - Lois Fairbairn

Lois Jean Fairbairn passed away peacefully at the Brooks Health Centre on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the age of 96 years.

Lois was born on July 20, 1929, in Saskatoon, to Charles and Ethel (nee Ellis) Hubbs. She married her beloved husband, William Dalton Fairbairn, in the summer of 1952 on her birthday, July 20th, and together they shared 49 wonderful years of marriage.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Dalton; parents; brothers, Roy Hubbs, Lloyd Hubbs, Gordon Hubbs and Larry Hubbs; sister, Norma Gaffney and her grandson, Sean Gareau.

Lois is lovingly remembered by her children: Gary (Brenda) Fairbairn, Keith (Lou Anne) Fairbairn, Maxine (Duayne) Meldrum, Vernon (Brenda) Fairbairn, Barry (Karen) Fairbairn and Kevin (Deena) Fairbairn. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kelli (Tim Hogan), Robyn (Chris Yaremchuk), Rebecca Fairbairn (Eric), Teri-Lynn Fairbairn (Sean), Stephanie Shannon (Robert), Kaycee Lang, Jaycee Lang and Shaun Lang and her great-grandchildren: Hailey, Paige, Connor, Pyper, Kiptyn, Noah, Logan, Grace and Charlotte. Many of her great-grandchildren affectionately knew her as “Big Mama,” a title she loved dearly. Also mourning her loss is her sister-in-law, Fern Fairbairn and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lois and her husband lived in many communities throughout Alberta while raising their family. During her years living in Hanna, Lois especially enjoyed spending time with her neighbour and dear friend, Ruff Galarneau. After Dalton retired from the Canadian National Railway, they eventually relocated to Medicine Hat to be closer to family and friends. Lois remained in Medicine Hat after her husband’s passing, living independently until the age of 94. Lois shared many happy years doing everything together with her close friend, Flo Ellefson. She later moved to Newbrook Lodge in Brooks, where she made many new friends. Known affectionately as the “puzzle lady,” Lois especially enjoyed spending time doing puzzles.

Lois loved all sports, but especially curling, baseball and hockey. She was a big Brooks Bandits fan and in her later years was able to attend many of their games giving out Werther candies to everyone around her after each goal. She always showed a keen interest in the sporting activities of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cheering them on and taking great pride in their involvement. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who cherished every moment with her family and took pride in each generation. Her love, strength and quiet devotion will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate doctors, nurses and staff at the Brooks Health Centre who cared for Lois during her final month. Their kindness, dignity and gentle support brought comfort to her and to her family, and we are deeply grateful.

In Lois’ honour, a private family graveside service will be held at Hillside Cemetery in the summer of 2026.