Fairalee was born in Donaldsonville, Louisiana on October 1, 1942 to Maxime and Mary Dugas. She moved to California in 1950 with her parents and brother. She graduated from San Gabriel Mission Catholic High School in San Gabriel, California and lived in nearby El Sereno through her teen years where she met her beloved husband, Leonello. They married at All Saints Church in 1960, and keeping with Italian tradition it was a huge event with over 400 people in attendance.
Fairalee and Nello raised two daughters, Lisa Ritchie and Tammy Lapp. They were soulmates and happily married for 41 years until Nello passed in October 2002. They always remained living in Southern California and began their life together in Alhambra where they were both actively involved with their church and community. Later, they lived in West Covina, La Verne, Upland, and finally Rancho Cucamonga. Fairalee and Nello were blessed with three grandchildren: Amy Ritchie O’Loughlin married to Dustin, Steven Ritchie, and Katherine Lapp. Amy and Dustin further blessed them with two great-grandchildren Drake O’Loughlin and Avree O’Loughlin. Fairalee is survived by one brother Paul Dugas and sister-in-law Camille of Metairie, LA; niece Reine Bouton and nephew Pio Dugas of Louisiana; and numerous beloved cousins and friends.
Fairalee began her career as a secretary with Los Angeles Water and Power, paused to raise their two daughters, and resumed her career with Lewis Homes in Upland where she worked as an overhead bookkeeper for 20 years. During her years raising her children, she was continually active as a volunteer at All Souls Church and School in Alhambra, Girl Scouts, and with the Bonita High Chamber Singers in La Verne. She made lasting friends along her life journey and was known for her wonderful laugh, sense of humor, and loving positive spirit.
At age 78, Fairalee died on October 12, 2020 passing peacefully in her sleep. We mourn her loss but are comforted in knowing Nello and many other loved ones were waiting to embrace her in heaven. A private service will be held in Northern California with immediate family. Masses were held at St. Peter & St. Paul and St. George the weekend of October 16th. The family has decided to host a Celebration of Life next year welcoming all family and friends to come together and share stories once pandemic restrictions have been lifted. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, California Southland Chapter.
We invite you to view a video made celebrating Fairalee’s life. To view it, please copy and paste the following web address into your brower: https://youtu.be/t3IHWJkGYto
Lastly, please add a memory and share the story of how you knew Fairalee and recollection of your fondest times together.
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