Julia G. Fairburn

Julia G. Fairburn, 97 of Aledo, formerly of Rockford, Illinois died Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Genesis Senior Living, Aledo. Private family burial will be held in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Machesney Park, IL. Memorials may be made to the Aledo United Methodist Church, Genesis Senior Living, Westminster Presbyterian Church of Rockford and PEO Chapter NJ. Julia was born on July 28, 1920 in Clinton County, Indiana to Ralph H. & Dora Rosetta(Gray) Irwin. She received her Bachelors’ Degree from Purdue University and her Masters from Rockford College. Julia married Theodore J. Fairburn on May 23, 1943. He preceded her in death on May 18, 2010. Julia dedicated her life to teaching. She taught 4th & 5th grade at Whitehead Elementary School in Rockford. Julia enjoyed her nature walks, often identifying different birds and flowers. She also enjoyed traveling and playing bridge. Julia was a people person and would go out of her way to help all. Julia is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law: Anne & Gary Olson of Freeport, FL and Nancy & Chris Olson of West Bend, WI; 6 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; Sisters: Jane Rodgers of Frankfort, IN and Margaret (Peg) Evans of Saratoga Springs, NY. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Cynthia Jane Thurlow and a sister, Roberta Irwin.