Mary Faire CONGDON
Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
CONGDON, Mary Faire (Lowrey) MARY FAIRE CONGDON Mary Faire (Lowrey) Congdon, age 74, of Decatur passed away November 13, 2012 of natural causes. She was born in Atmore, Alabama on June 9, 1938 to the late Alfred Pellar Lowrey and Ella Faire Lowrey. She graduated from Huntingdon College (Montgomery, Alabama) with a B.A. degree in music. While there, she served as class president and avidly studied music. Following graduation, she completed the requirements for certification as a teacher in Georgia. In 1973, she began working for the DeKalb County School System as their first music therapist at Coralwood Elementary School in the program for special needs, pre-school children. She also often traveled to other facilities throughout the county school district to work with other children. She later earned her Master of Music degree from Georgia State University in 1978. After several years in the classrooms in DeKalb County, she served as a coordinator for the early learning therapy programs until she decided to retire. For many of those same years, she put her musical talents to work as music director at North Decatur United Methodist Church in Decatur. While there, she took special pride in her adult, youth and children choirs, the refurbishment/enhancement of the church organ, and establishing the handbell choir. Included in her years of music ministry was service as the organist at Oak Grove United Methodist Church. Mary Faire provided musical instrument and voice lessons for many local children and adults throughout her career. After retirement, she found immense enjoyment in serving as a volunteer piano player at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, GA, and as a continuing education instructor for the Academy for Retired Professionals of the Emory Center for Lifelong Learning. She was known throughout DeKalb County as the musician that could play any tune on any instrument. Mary Faire's enthusiasm for life was reflected in her many humorous stories and adventures from life in small town Alabama, as a camp counselor in Michigan, as an orthopedic therapist in New Jersey and North Carolina, and her many trips to the beach. She is survived by her brother, Alfred Pellar "Pete" Lowrey, Jr and wife, Sue Lowrey; her son, Herbert V. Congdon II and wife, Julie Roy; and her daughter, Blair Lynn (Congdon) Johnson and husband, Tim Johnson. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at North Decatur United Methodist Church, 1523 Church Street, Decatur, GA 30030. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the North Decatur United Methodist Church Music Fund, or to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History Member and Volunteer Services. A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.
Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on November 16, 2012
Eulogy by Blair, Mary Fair's daughter:
Thank you all for coming today. It warms my heart to see you all here. I know we all have busy lives and things to do or places to be. It means so very much to have you here with us.
We are here to celebrate the life of Momma, Mary Faire, Meff – or however you knew her.
She was an amazing woman. She was a wonderful mother. She was unbelievably talented in music, art, and working with handicapped children. She could play any instrument and knew so many songs.
Mom had an adventuresome spirit. She loved the ocean. She truly enjoyed her friendships, she had a wicked since of humor, and could cook better than many chefs. She also loved to go to concerts and the movies.
I believe we all have some wonderful memories of her and I know that she touched your life in some way. Many of you know her from her ministry of music right here at North Decatur. She only had two children – Herb and me – but she had so many "chillins" that she always said "I helped raise that child". She loved so many of you.
I am not sure if you know that when she was Choir Director here, she faced the congregation. My brother and I usually sat up in the balcony. So she would watch us like a hawk the whole time. If either my brother or I started misbehaving we got the "No" symbol in sign language. If we got it once, we were ok. If we got it twice…we were in trouble.
You want to know a daunting task? Picking out the music for her service! My brother and I were lost and overwhelmed. We want to make a special thank you to Phyllis Aucker and Janet Kennedy for your assistance. We couldn't have done it without you two!
Momma passed peacefully in her sleep. I do wish she would have come out to be closer to her family – but as you know…and I say this with all the love in my heart….she was One. Stubborn. Lady. She was proud, fiercely independent and tough. She could be strict but it instilled in her children how to behave, taught us what was right verses wrong – and then showed us how to have fun and how to laugh often.
Also when Mom was the director here, she had the "one clap" rule. If the choir performed well, or someone had something good to share she would call for "one clap". The choir surely knows what I am talking about. If you will indulge me….I would like to have everyone participate in the "one clap" . So, on the count of three – give "One clap for Mary Faire". One…Two…Three…. **Clap**
There are so many good memories.
I ask that you take a moment and find a good memory of her and hold that in your heart today. And please, cherish your time here, your family, and your faith. And be open to "Ordinary miracles" – big or small. If your parents are still with us, please tell them that you love them as often as you can. If your parents have passed on, ask them to keep an ear out for Mary Faire. She'll be easy to find. Just listen for the grandest piano around.
I find comfort in knowing that Mom is in heaven and has reunited with her parents, her brother and many lifelong friends.
And somehow, I believe that God has already made arrangements for her to be the new choir director in Heaven. So listen a little closer this year as I bet she will have the Choir of Angels in tip top shape and ready for a Christmas concert unlike any other.
Thank you again for coming today, for your love and support, for helping my family with all the arrangements, offering assistance and most of all for sharing a part of your life with her and with us.
Thank you so much. God Bless.
Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
CONGDON, Mary Faire (Lowrey) MARY FAIRE CONGDON Mary Faire (Lowrey) Congdon, age 74, of Decatur passed away November 13, 2012 of natural causes. She was born in Atmore, Alabama on June 9, 1938 to the late Alfred Pellar Lowrey and Ella Faire Lowrey. She graduated from Huntingdon College (Montgomery, Alabama) with a B.A. degree in music. While there, she served as class president and avidly studied music. Following graduation, she completed the requirements for certification as a teacher in Georgia. In 1973, she began working for the DeKalb County School System as their first music therapist at Coralwood Elementary School in the program for special needs, pre-school children. She also often traveled to other facilities throughout the county school district to work with other children. She later earned her Master of Music degree from Georgia State University in 1978. After several years in the classrooms in DeKalb County, she served as a coordinator for the early learning therapy programs until she decided to retire. For many of those same years, she put her musical talents to work as music director at North Decatur United Methodist Church in Decatur. While there, she took special pride in her adult, youth and children choirs, the refurbishment/enhancement of the church organ, and establishing the handbell choir. Included in her years of music ministry was service as the organist at Oak Grove United Methodist Church. Mary Faire provided musical instrument and voice lessons for many local children and adults throughout her career. After retirement, she found immense enjoyment in serving as a volunteer piano player at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, GA, and as a continuing education instructor for the Academy for Retired Professionals of the Emory Center for Lifelong Learning. She was known throughout DeKalb County as the musician that could play any tune on any instrument. Mary Faire's enthusiasm for life was reflected in her many humorous stories and adventures from life in small town Alabama, as a camp counselor in Michigan, as an orthopedic therapist in New Jersey and North Carolina, and her many trips to the beach. She is survived by her brother, Alfred Pellar "Pete" Lowrey, Jr and wife, Sue Lowrey; her son, Herbert V. Congdon II and wife, Julie Roy; and her daughter, Blair Lynn (Congdon) Johnson and husband, Tim Johnson. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at North Decatur United Methodist Church, 1523 Church Street, Decatur, GA 30030. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the North Decatur United Methodist Church Music Fund, or to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History Member and Volunteer Services. A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.
Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on November 16, 2012
Eulogy by Blair, Mary Fair's daughter:
Thank you all for coming today. It warms my heart to see you all here. I know we all have busy lives and things to do or places to be. It means so very much to have you here with us.
We are here to celebrate the life of Momma, Mary Faire, Meff – or however you knew her.
She was an amazing woman. She was a wonderful mother. She was unbelievably talented in music, art, and working with handicapped children. She could play any instrument and knew so many songs.
Mom had an adventuresome spirit. She loved the ocean. She truly enjoyed her friendships, she had a wicked since of humor, and could cook better than many chefs. She also loved to go to concerts and the movies.
I believe we all have some wonderful memories of her and I know that she touched your life in some way. Many of you know her from her ministry of music right here at North Decatur. She only had two children – Herb and me – but she had so many "chillins" that she always said "I helped raise that child". She loved so many of you.
I am not sure if you know that when she was Choir Director here, she faced the congregation. My brother and I usually sat up in the balcony. So she would watch us like a hawk the whole time. If either my brother or I started misbehaving we got the "No" symbol in sign language. If we got it once, we were ok. If we got it twice…we were in trouble.
You want to know a daunting task? Picking out the music for her service! My brother and I were lost and overwhelmed. We want to make a special thank you to Phyllis Aucker and Janet Kennedy for your assistance. We couldn't have done it without you two!
Momma passed peacefully in her sleep. I do wish she would have come out to be closer to her family – but as you know…and I say this with all the love in my heart….she was One. Stubborn. Lady. She was proud, fiercely independent and tough. She could be strict but it instilled in her children how to behave, taught us what was right verses wrong – and then showed us how to have fun and how to laugh often.
Also when Mom was the director here, she had the "one clap" rule. If the choir performed well, or someone had something good to share she would call for "one clap". The choir surely knows what I am talking about. If you will indulge me….I would like to have everyone participate in the "one clap" . So, on the count of three – give "One clap for Mary Faire". One…Two…Three…. **Clap**
There are so many good memories.
I ask that you take a moment and find a good memory of her and hold that in your heart today. And please, cherish your time here, your family, and your faith. And be open to "Ordinary miracles" – big or small. If your parents are still with us, please tell them that you love them as often as you can. If your parents have passed on, ask them to keep an ear out for Mary Faire. She'll be easy to find. Just listen for the grandest piano around.
I find comfort in knowing that Mom is in heaven and has reunited with her parents, her brother and many lifelong friends.
And somehow, I believe that God has already made arrangements for her to be the new choir director in Heaven. So listen a little closer this year as I bet she will have the Choir of Angels in tip top shape and ready for a Christmas concert unlike any other.
Thank you again for coming today, for your love and support, for helping my family with all the arrangements, offering assistance and most of all for sharing a part of your life with her and with us.
Thank you so much. God Bless.
Mary Faire CONGDON
Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
CONGDON, Mary Faire (Lowrey) MARY FAIRE CONGDON Mary Faire (Lowrey) Congdon, age 74, of Decatur passed away November 13, 2012 of natural causes. She was born in Atmore, Alabama on June 9, 1938 to the late Alfred Pellar Lowrey and Ella Faire Lowrey. She graduated from Huntingdon College (Montgomery, Alabama) with a B.A. degree in music. While there, she served as class president and avidly studied music. Following graduation, she completed the requirements for certification as a teacher in Georgia. In 1973, she began working for the DeKalb County School System as their first music therapist at Coralwood Elementary School in the program for special needs, pre-school children. She also often traveled to other facilities throughout the county school district to work with other children. She later earned her Master of Music degree from Georgia State University in 1978. After several years in the classrooms in DeKalb County, she served as a coordinator for the early learning therapy programs until she decided to retire. For many of those same years, she put her musical talents to work as music director at North Decatur United Methodist Church in Decatur. While there, she took special pride in her adult, youth and children choirs, the refurbishment/enhancement of the church organ, and establishing the handbell choir. Included in her years of music ministry was service as the organist at Oak Grove United Methodist Church. Mary Faire provided musical instrument and voice lessons for many local children and adults throughout her career. After retirement, she found immense enjoyment in serving as a volunteer piano player at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, GA, and as a continuing education instructor for the Academy for Retired Professionals of the Emory Center for Lifelong Learning. She was known throughout DeKalb County as the musician that could play any tune on any instrument. Mary Faire's enthusiasm for life was reflected in her many humorous stories and adventures from life in small town Alabama, as a camp counselor in Michigan, as an orthopedic therapist in New Jersey and North Carolina, and her many trips to the beach. She is survived by her brother, Alfred Pellar "Pete" Lowrey, Jr and wife, Sue Lowrey; her son, Herbert V. Congdon II and wife, Julie Roy; and her daughter, Blair Lynn (Congdon) Johnson and husband, Tim Johnson. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at North Decatur United Methodist Church, 1523 Church Street, Decatur, GA 30030. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the North Decatur United Methodist Church Music Fund, or to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History Member and Volunteer Services. A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.
Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on November 16, 2012
Eulogy by Blair, Mary Fair's daughter:
Thank you all for coming today. It warms my heart to see you all here. I know we all have busy lives and things to do or places to be. It means so very much to have you here with us.
We are here to celebrate the life of Momma, Mary Faire, Meff – or however you knew her.
She was an amazing woman. She was a wonderful mother. She was unbelievably talented in music, art, and working with handicapped children. She could play any instrument and knew so many songs.
Mom had an adventuresome spirit. She loved the ocean. She truly enjoyed her friendships, she had a wicked since of humor, and could cook better than many chefs. She also loved to go to concerts and the movies.
I believe we all have some wonderful memories of her and I know that she touched your life in some way. Many of you know her from her ministry of music right here at North Decatur. She only had two children – Herb and me – but she had so many "chillins" that she always said "I helped raise that child". She loved so many of you.
I am not sure if you know that when she was Choir Director here, she faced the congregation. My brother and I usually sat up in the balcony. So she would watch us like a hawk the whole time. If either my brother or I started misbehaving we got the "No" symbol in sign language. If we got it once, we were ok. If we got it twice…we were in trouble.
You want to know a daunting task? Picking out the music for her service! My brother and I were lost and overwhelmed. We want to make a special thank you to Phyllis Aucker and Janet Kennedy for your assistance. We couldn't have done it without you two!
Momma passed peacefully in her sleep. I do wish she would have come out to be closer to her family – but as you know…and I say this with all the love in my heart….she was One. Stubborn. Lady. She was proud, fiercely independent and tough. She could be strict but it instilled in her children how to behave, taught us what was right verses wrong – and then showed us how to have fun and how to laugh often.
Also when Mom was the director here, she had the "one clap" rule. If the choir performed well, or someone had something good to share she would call for "one clap". The choir surely knows what I am talking about. If you will indulge me….I would like to have everyone participate in the "one clap" . So, on the count of three – give "One clap for Mary Faire". One…Two…Three…. **Clap**
There are so many good memories.
I ask that you take a moment and find a good memory of her and hold that in your heart today. And please, cherish your time here, your family, and your faith. And be open to "Ordinary miracles" – big or small. If your parents are still with us, please tell them that you love them as often as you can. If your parents have passed on, ask them to keep an ear out for Mary Faire. She'll be easy to find. Just listen for the grandest piano around.
I find comfort in knowing that Mom is in heaven and has reunited with her parents, her brother and many lifelong friends.
And somehow, I believe that God has already made arrangements for her to be the new choir director in Heaven. So listen a little closer this year as I bet she will have the Choir of Angels in tip top shape and ready for a Christmas concert unlike any other.
Thank you again for coming today, for your love and support, for helping my family with all the arrangements, offering assistance and most of all for sharing a part of your life with her and with us.
Thank you so much. God Bless.
Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
CONGDON, Mary Faire (Lowrey) MARY FAIRE CONGDON Mary Faire (Lowrey) Congdon, age 74, of Decatur passed away November 13, 2012 of natural causes. She was born in Atmore, Alabama on June 9, 1938 to the late Alfred Pellar Lowrey and Ella Faire Lowrey. She graduated from Huntingdon College (Montgomery, Alabama) with a B.A. degree in music. While there, she served as class president and avidly studied music. Following graduation, she completed the requirements for certification as a teacher in Georgia. In 1973, she began working for the DeKalb County School System as their first music therapist at Coralwood Elementary School in the program for special needs, pre-school children. She also often traveled to other facilities throughout the county school district to work with other children. She later earned her Master of Music degree from Georgia State University in 1978. After several years in the classrooms in DeKalb County, she served as a coordinator for the early learning therapy programs until she decided to retire. For many of those same years, she put her musical talents to work as music director at North Decatur United Methodist Church in Decatur. While there, she took special pride in her adult, youth and children choirs, the refurbishment/enhancement of the church organ, and establishing the handbell choir. Included in her years of music ministry was service as the organist at Oak Grove United Methodist Church. Mary Faire provided musical instrument and voice lessons for many local children and adults throughout her career. After retirement, she found immense enjoyment in serving as a volunteer piano player at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, GA, and as a continuing education instructor for the Academy for Retired Professionals of the Emory Center for Lifelong Learning. She was known throughout DeKalb County as the musician that could play any tune on any instrument. Mary Faire's enthusiasm for life was reflected in her many humorous stories and adventures from life in small town Alabama, as a camp counselor in Michigan, as an orthopedic therapist in New Jersey and North Carolina, and her many trips to the beach. She is survived by her brother, Alfred Pellar "Pete" Lowrey, Jr and wife, Sue Lowrey; her son, Herbert V. Congdon II and wife, Julie Roy; and her daughter, Blair Lynn (Congdon) Johnson and husband, Tim Johnson. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at North Decatur United Methodist Church, 1523 Church Street, Decatur, GA 30030. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the North Decatur United Methodist Church Music Fund, or to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History Member and Volunteer Services. A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.
Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on November 16, 2012
Eulogy by Blair, Mary Fair's daughter:
Thank you all for coming today. It warms my heart to see you all here. I know we all have busy lives and things to do or places to be. It means so very much to have you here with us.
We are here to celebrate the life of Momma, Mary Faire, Meff – or however you knew her.
She was an amazing woman. She was a wonderful mother. She was unbelievably talented in music, art, and working with handicapped children. She could play any instrument and knew so many songs.
Mom had an adventuresome spirit. She loved the ocean. She truly enjoyed her friendships, she had a wicked since of humor, and could cook better than many chefs. She also loved to go to concerts and the movies.
I believe we all have some wonderful memories of her and I know that she touched your life in some way. Many of you know her from her ministry of music right here at North Decatur. She only had two children – Herb and me – but she had so many "chillins" that she always said "I helped raise that child". She loved so many of you.
I am not sure if you know that when she was Choir Director here, she faced the congregation. My brother and I usually sat up in the balcony. So she would watch us like a hawk the whole time. If either my brother or I started misbehaving we got the "No" symbol in sign language. If we got it once, we were ok. If we got it twice…we were in trouble.
You want to know a daunting task? Picking out the music for her service! My brother and I were lost and overwhelmed. We want to make a special thank you to Phyllis Aucker and Janet Kennedy for your assistance. We couldn't have done it without you two!
Momma passed peacefully in her sleep. I do wish she would have come out to be closer to her family – but as you know…and I say this with all the love in my heart….she was One. Stubborn. Lady. She was proud, fiercely independent and tough. She could be strict but it instilled in her children how to behave, taught us what was right verses wrong – and then showed us how to have fun and how to laugh often.
Also when Mom was the director here, she had the "one clap" rule. If the choir performed well, or someone had something good to share she would call for "one clap". The choir surely knows what I am talking about. If you will indulge me….I would like to have everyone participate in the "one clap" . So, on the count of three – give "One clap for Mary Faire". One…Two…Three…. **Clap**
There are so many good memories.
I ask that you take a moment and find a good memory of her and hold that in your heart today. And please, cherish your time here, your family, and your faith. And be open to "Ordinary miracles" – big or small. If your parents are still with us, please tell them that you love them as often as you can. If your parents have passed on, ask them to keep an ear out for Mary Faire. She'll be easy to find. Just listen for the grandest piano around.
I find comfort in knowing that Mom is in heaven and has reunited with her parents, her brother and many lifelong friends.
And somehow, I believe that God has already made arrangements for her to be the new choir director in Heaven. So listen a little closer this year as I bet she will have the Choir of Angels in tip top shape and ready for a Christmas concert unlike any other.
Thank you again for coming today, for your love and support, for helping my family with all the arrangements, offering assistance and most of all for sharing a part of your life with her and with us.
Thank you so much. God Bless.
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