Marianne Fairall was full of life, with tremendous ability and drive, and a beautiful smile. When her children entered activities, Marianne found it natural to apply her abilities to support those activities. Her son Nicholas followed his sister Beth into ski jumping and Marianne followed too, organizing trips and raising funds. She almost single-handedly transformed Eastern Ski Jumping from an organization with lots of good ideas but no way to fund them to a non-profit corporation with funds sufficient to support modest purchases or projects and to assist developing athletes with the ever increasing costs of travel and training. A few years ago, Marianne was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer and right through her battle with the disease, through three bouts of brain surgery, Marianne bravely continued her work for ski jumping. She never quit, never gave up, and never lost her smile. On August 10, 2008, Marianne finally succumbed to her illness -- at home, surrounded by her family. Visitation was Tuesday evening, August 12, and the funeral was Wednesday, August 13, both in the First Baptist Church in New London, New Hampshire. People from the ski jumping community came from all over the east to pay their last respects and to celebrate the life of this remarkable person. Marianne's son Nicholas made a simple request about attire "... we would appreciate if people wore light colors to the funeral because I know my mom would not like it if she saw a bunch of people mourning over her and making a big fuss about it. (That's just the way my mom is)." Nick led the way in "cheerful attire" with a pink sport coat (below, top center), while his father Martin wore a sport jacket in a light hue of purple.

Here are some of the people who came to honor Marianne.

For Wednesday's funeral, the church was packed with family and friends from many parts of Marianne's rich life. The service was simple, with two hymns and three eulogies. First to speak was son Nicholas, who thanked his mom for being such a terrific person, and for passing along her strengths to him and his sisters. Next Marianne's brother described his sister, a person full of energy, adventure and hi-jinx. Finally Pastor Jeff Zurheide delivered a beautiful summary of Marianne's life, in his church, at work, with her family whom she adored, and in her huge volunteer efforts.. The final hymn was the tune used by Beethoven in his massive Ninth Symphony. The subject of the hymn and the symphony is JOY. How fitting!

Marianne Fairall (1953-2008)    (Andover, NH) Marianne (Rooke) Fairall, 55, of Old College Road, died Sunday, August 10, 2008 at her home. She was born in Summit, NJ on July 27, 1953. She graduated from Kent Place School in Summit, NJ and Colby-Sawyer College in New London, NH. She worked in hospital administration and was employed by the New London Hospital for 10 years. For the past 14 years she had been on the Board and held all chairs including chairman of Havenwood-Heritage Heights in Concord, NH and was presently on the Trust Fund Board. Marianne moved to Andover, NH in 1984. She volunteered many hours to her community, church, and school. Generous with her time, she ran the Andover Outing Club and then the Eastern Ski Jumping in Lake Placid over many years. She adored her children. She was predeceased by her brother, Christopher Rooke. Members of her family surviving include her husband, Martin of Andover, NH; three children, Beth, Gwenn, and Nicholas; her parents, Robert and Natalie (Davis) Rooke of Morristown, NJ and Bridgewater, NH; two brothers, Robert Rooke of Morristown, NJ and Thomas Rooke of Basking Ridge, NJ; nieces, nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Andover Outing Club, 313 Emery Road, Andover, NH 03216 or to the Eastern Ski Jump and Nordic-Combined Foundation, 52 Ski Jump Lane, Lake Placid, NY 12946. Chadwick Funeral Service of New London, NH assisted the family with arrangements and distributed the obituary notice above. To sign an online guestbook please visit www.chadwickfuneralservice.com. (Click on "Online Obituaries", find Marianne in the list, and click. Scroll to the bottom to find the guestbook.)

Comments from members of the U.S. ski jumping family: EXCEPTIONAL, UNSELFISH & WARM HEARTED, she always gave 100% plus. She was an inspiration to all of us. She made the Eastern Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Foundation what it is today through her untiring efforts. She came to us as part of HIS plan and left as part of the same plan. May her soul bloom in eternal Spring. Art Tokle, Jr., Chairman, ESJ&NC Foundation There is not time nor space on this page or in my brain to remember all of the times Marianne helped me.... What does this term a coach used mean?.... how do I organize a ski trip? ..where do I find lodging for the skiers? How do I order bells?... The list of questions Marianne cheerfully answered goes on and on .... So you see not only was Marianne a huge part of Eastern ski jumping she also was a huge part of the Central ski jumping as well. I wish I had a picture to share but mine is only in my mind... I will describe it ... You will recognize it... it will be how I remember Marianne.... a long wool skirt.. boots... jacket.. mittens and a woven basket full of bells on her back .... stopping to greet each little spectator at the bottom of LP hills during a competition... a little snow in the air, always a smile.. when asked how are you doing always a cheerful "ok" and she always stopped to look up hill as each skier jumped no matter who they were, she wanted every skier to do their best. Marianne we will miss you, we are so glad we could be a small part of your world. the Schotts, Black Earth, Wisconsin I can not imagine the ski jumping community without Marianne. She was a marvel! And I've never known anyone nicer. I'm writing this through tears.... ~Sue Denney, Central Division Please share your recollections of Marianne, or share a nice digital photo.  See also the Online Guestbook maintained by the Chadwick Funeral Service, where you can leave a message or read the messages left by others.

 
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