On June 2, 2010 in her 50th year, Fay passed away peacefully in the palliative care unit at London’s Victoria Hospital following a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Fay was born on March 15, 1960 in Simcoe, Ontario to Mel and Margaret Henderson, originally of Hawick, Scotland. She was raised and educated in Hagersville, Ontario. Fay attended UWO from 1980 to 1984, where she obtained degrees in History and Education and met her future husband, John. Fay and John were married on December 16, 1983, and remained a devoted couple for 27 years. They were blessed with the arrival of their son Josh in 1999, and their daughter Jean in 2002. Fay was a caring and experienced educator, having taught at the elementary level with the Haldimand Board of Education; literacy and ESL at Fanshawe College; literacy and social science at London’s G.A. Wheable Centre for Adult Education; and finally as a history teacher at H.B. Beal Secondary School. In 1995 Fay took a leave from the classroom and for several years served her colleagues in District 11 of OSSTF as a district officer and chief negotiator. Fay was also active at the provincial level as a three term member of the Ontario Teachers Federation’s Board of Governors. Fay was never comfortable in the limelight – she preferred to work in the background, seeking out solutions that would be of benefit to both sides. Her colleagues, students, and many friends were impressed by her wisdom, competence, generosity of spirit, and genuine interest in the needs of others. When not teaching, Fay preferred a quiet life with her family, friends, and neighbours in her home and in her garden. Among the best of times were always counted the impromptu day trips with Josh and Jean, the visits in Goderich with Oma and in Hagersville with Papa and Grandma, and the annual two week vacation at Sauble Beach. Fay was predeceased by her father-in-law Joseph and mother-in-law Madeline of Goderich, and her sister-in-law Mary Jane. She is survived by her husband John and their beloved children Josh and Jean; her parents Mel and Margaret; her brother John and his partner Kim; her sister Gail and her sons Curtis and Charlie; her brother-in-law Paul and his wife Maureen and their son Andrew; and her brother-in-law Rob and his son Robbie. Visitations will be held at Needham Funeral Home, 520 Dundas Street, London on Friday, June 11 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A memorial service open to all will be held at the H.B. Beal Auditorium, 525 Dundas Street, London on Saturday, June 12, at 10:00 am, with an opportunity for friends and colleagues to gather afterwards in the cafeteria. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to ovarian cancer research.
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