NORTH HAVEN and CAMDEN – Shirley S. “Nana” Fay, 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Camden, Maine, on August 27th, one month before her ninetieth birthday.
She was born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, on September 27, 1921, one of 5 children of Harvey H. and Gladys V. Bradbury Small. She grew up in Newfoundland, graduated from Prince of Wales College, and was then employed by Canadian Army Public Relations as a feature writer. Shirley Small, as she was known then, toured the island she loved accompanied by a photographer and submitted stories for publication. In 1942, she worked with the USO as a radio personality and singer.
She met the love of her life, Richard Fay, in 1943 when he requested that she sing “People Will Say We’re in Love”. They were married in December of 1944 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Together they had three children.
Her husband became a meteorologist for the US government, and was assigned to a variety of sites, including Ireland to help set up the meteorological station at Shannon Airport. “Nana” became a seasoned packer and consummate stay-at-home Mom. But no matter where her life took her, she became a dedicated church member and joined numerous civic organizations.
Summers on Stimpsons Island from 1946 to 1980 and her subsequent connection to the community of North Haven became an important part of her life.
Nana Fay touched many lives. She was known for her infectious humor and wit. She was devoted to her family, and earned the trust and love of many friends wherever she went.
Pre-deceased by her husband and four siblings, Nana Fay is survived by one daughter, Lisa F. Shields and her husband Captain Richard Shields of North Haven; two sons, Arthur Bowditch Fay and his wife Lilian of Spotsylvania, VA, Lawrence Paige Fay of Alexandria, NH; six grandchildren, Heather Fay Shields and her husband Lee Lindenau of Yarmouth, Monica Hester Shields and her husband Neal Yetman, D.O. of Hope, Bridget Elizabeth Fay of Colonial Beach, VA, Jamien Victoria Shields and her companion Jeff Dec of North Haven, Jennifer Mary Fay of Colonial Beach, VA, Elizabeth Marie Fay of Franklin, NH; eight great-grandchildren, Eliza, Demeatris, Jade, Leah, Vaughn, Willa, Nikolai and Pearl; as well as two nephews, Bill Halfyard of St. John’s Newfoundland, Paul Halfyard of Holyrood Newfoundland and one niece Tamsin Mulrooney of Benicia, CA.
A celebration of Nana Fay’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 1, 2011, at North Haven Baptist Church. The Reverend David Macy will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to North Haven Cares, P.O. Box 376, North Haven, ME 04853.
Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. To share a memory or story with Nana Fay’s family, please visit her guest book at www.bchfh.com.