Ella was born on February 17, 1925, to James Frace and Carrie Brobst, in Summit Hill, PA. After her mother’s death, she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Beltz in Perth Amboy, NJ. Upon high school graduation, Ella enrolled in the nursing program at the Perth Amboy Hospital and graduated as a registered nurse.
Ella married David Fairfield on December 22, 1950 at Ft. Dix, NJ and the real adventure began: as a military wife. Ella worked at military medical facilities around the world where her husband was stationed while raising six children, in Turkey, Viet Nam, France and Okinawa. She spoke of meeting one of her heroes, Dr. Tom Dooley while in Viet Nam, but minimized her own accomplishment of giving birth to twins in a hospital in Saigon.
Ella and David moved permanently to Westport Island in 1973 after his retirement from the Army. Ella retired from her nursing career after more than 30 years, ending at the USVA Hospital at Togus. She worked as a sales associate at Sears for a few years to fill her time, while pursuing her hobbies of knitting, crocheting and embroidery. She loved making items for her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren and many of these gifts have become family heirlooms.
Her leisurely retirement ended in 2000 when she and David received custody of their great- grandson. Ella approached this new phase of her life with the same courage and determination that she always demonstrated. Raising a young boy through all it entails helped to keep her young and engaged. She was an active supporter of young David’s school, swim team and karate activities. Ella was a member of the Westport Baptist Church. She loved her life and all it handed her; she lived her life with all the dignity of a true Christian woman. She had a strong belief in Jesus, our country, her family and helping others.
Ella was predeceased by her sister, Emma Hawk and her brother, Emmanuel Frace, and grandson, John Harmon.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, David Fairfield and great- grandson, David E. Fairfield, Jr. of Westport Island. Her children are Patricia Asbury and husband Terrence of Knoxville TN, Eugene Fairfield and wife, Anne of Westport Island, Joanne Lipe and husband Ronald of Collierville, TN, Robert Fairfield and wife Katharine of Bolton, MA, Roberta Littlefield and husband Robert of Old Town and James Fairfield of Fremont, CA. She also leaves behind 19 grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren.
Visiting hours will be 2:00 to 3: 00 p. m. Wednesday at David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, 638 High St., Bath followed by funeral services at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. To share your thoughts and condolences with the family please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
obits@timesrecord.com
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