Obituary of Barbara Keller Fairclough

Barbara Keller Fairclough 1948-2025

Barbara Keller Fairclough died peacefully in the late hours of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, following a hard fought battle with breast cancer.  She was born in Manhattan on May 8^th, 1948, and raised by her loving parents, Anna and Sol Sandler.  She grew up in Bronxville, NY, where she thrived, growing up with many good friends and was quite the academic.  Having skipped two grades, she graduated from high school and attended the University of Rhode Island, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in biology.  A microbiologist, she worked for many years at New York Hospital, before starting a family with her college sweetheart, Marek Keller.  After a period of time living in Peekskill, NY, Marek and Barbara relocated to Darien, CT where they raised their children, Stephanie and Barrett.  A dedicated mother, wife, and longtime administrator at Kelly Associates Real Estate, Barbara enjoyed quite a life with her family. 

Many years after the death of Marek, Barbara was blessed to have crossed paths with Gordon Fairclough, who became her second husband.  Barbara and Gordon had the joy of watching Stephanie marry John Lynch, Barrett marry Kingsley Howe and welcoming her two grandchildren, Wynnie and Lane Keller, on whom she doted endlessly and who brought her so much joy in the later years of her life. 

 After twenty years of marriage and companionship, Gordon predeceased Barbara, passing in 2022.  Barbara met her cancer diagnosis with the courage and strength that she brought to all her endeavors throughout her life.  A warrior during adversarial times, she fought bravely to spend as much time with her family and friends as she could.  On April 23, 2025, Barbara found peace after a life very, very well lived.  She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie, and her husband, John, of Grafton, MA, her son, Barrett, and his wife, Kingsley, her two grandchildren, Wynnie and Lane, all of Darien, CT and her step sons Gordon and his partner, Junho Kim, of London, UK and Gregory Fairclough of Florida. 

A funeral service and celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at First Congregational Church in Darien, CT at 10 a.m. on Wednesday April 30, 2025.