Joan Fairchild Obituary

Memorial services are pending for Joan M. Fairchild, professor emeritus, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, College of Education. Dr. Fairchild, age 80, died April 6, 2012 at her home in Palmer Lake following a long illness with family members Lee and Dolly Fairchild by her side. Memorial services will be at Dr. Fairchild's Palmer Lake residence, amidst her beloved rose garden, in late May or early June. Joan was preceded in death by her parents; Reverend Franklin and Fern McDaniel, husband Dr. Miles R. Fairchild and her brother William. Joan is survived by her daughter Jean Anne Dearth of Taos, New Mexico. Joan dedicated her life to teaching and improving special education curriculum. Her profound journey began in 1952 with stops at Denver Public Schools, Denver University, Syracuse University, Columbia and Fordham University. She retired from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs in 1995 after leading programs in special education where she authored and co-authored several large grants, including those that led to the Project EXCEL Centers now known as the Centers for Academic Excellence. Joan influenced many students, educators and others in her life. She will always be remembered.