Obituary of Carol P Fairey
Carol Leslie Fairey
September 7, 1945 – January 15, 2025
Carol Leslie Fairey (née Peterson), 79, of Wappingers Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on
January 15, 2025, at the Lutheran Care Center in Poughkeepsie, NY. She was born in Brooklyn,
NY, on September 7, 1945, to Harold Peterson and Olga Dockery Peterson, who died in
childbirth. Carol moved to New Haven, CT, as an infant and was lovingly raised by her father
and the only mother she knew, Jane Peterson.
Carol was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and follower of Christ. She is survived
by her husband of 44 years, Alan Ross Fairey; her sons, Alan Wesley (Jacquelyn) Fairey of
Chapel Hill, NC; Evan Kyle (Kathryn) Fairey of Lewis Center, OH, and David Harold Fairey of
Wappingers Falls, NY; and her grandchildren, Gideon Thomas Fairey, Jayden Michael Fairey,
Norah Jane Fairey, Mekhai Ross Fairey, and Mason Ross Fairey. Known lovingly as “Mama” by
her grandchildren, Carol cherished the special bond she shared with each of them. She is, also,
survived by her sisters Lynn Eldridge (Robert) of Meriden, CT, Joanne Scales of New Haven,
CT, and Kathy Tatum (Michael) of Stafford, VA and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives,
neighbors, and friends. Carol was predeceased by her father, Harold Peterson, her mother,
Jane Peterson, and her brother-in-law, William Scales.
Carol was a strong and steadfast believer in Jesus Christ, a true prayer warrior, and a student of
God’s Word. She dedicated her life to serving others with a selfless and unconditional love that
mirrored Christ’s teachings. For nearly 40 years, she was an active member of Faith Assembly
of God (now The Gathering at Faith Assembly), where she served as a Sunday school teacher,
mentor to women and young couples, Samuel Prayer ministry as well as home Bible study
media coordinator and member of the executive committee. Carol’s careful research and
selection of Bible study materials and training of leaders had a lasting impact on countless lives.
A graduate of Wilbur Cross High School and Southern Connecticut State University, Carol
earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Health Education. She met her husband,
Alan, while working at Peekskill Middle School, where she was a health teacher, and he was
serving as a guidance counselor and interim principal. Carol retired from teaching in 1986 to
focus on raising her sons, devoting herself fully to her family and community. She was a
dedicated PTA leader, a tireless school volunteer, and a constant presence at her children’s
sporting events, concerts, and plays. Her influence extended far beyond her immediate family,
as she touched the lives of everyone she met with her kindness, laughter, and unwavering faith.
Carol was a passionate reader and talented cook who loved bringing her family together around
the table, sharing her warmth and care through the meals she prepared. She was a lifelong
learner with a love for a wide variety of topics, and her curiosity and passion for knowledge were
reflected in her thoughtful conversations and the wisdom she shared with those around her. Her
smile and laugh were contagious, brightening every room she entered. Carol possessed a kind
and selfless spirit, always putting the needs of others before her own. She had a remarkable
ability to make people feel truly seen and valued, offering encouragement, understanding, and
love to everyone she encountered. Her beautiful spirit left an indelible mark on the lives of her
family and friends, who will cherish her memory forever.
Carol’s life was guided by her unwavering faith and devotion to her Savior, Jesus Christ. She
exemplified the words of Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of
you to the interests of the others.”
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The
Gathering at Faith Assembly, 25 Golf Club Lane, Poughkeepsie, NY. A public viewing will take
place on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 9:00 AM, followed by a celebration of Carol’s life at 11:00
AM at the same location. Interment will immediately follow at Fishkill Rural Cemetery, 801 US-9,Fishkill, NY.
Carol is now in the arms of her Savior, rejoicing in the eternal promises of glory. Her family
takes comfort in the blessed assurance that she is no longer suffering and that they will be
reunited with her one day.
