Hannah Fairchild

NAMI SCC Website

"The Best and Most Beautiful Things in the World cannot be Seen or Even Touched. They Must be Felt with the Heart." - Hellen Keller

Hannah Fairchild

Hannah Shawgo Fairchild, 48, died with dignity and peace on May 1, 2002, after a courageous fight with leukemia. She is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Douglas Fairchild, her brothers, Timothy Shawgo of Napa, CA., and Steven Shawgo of Windsor, Ca., and her faithful canine companion, Olivia.

Hannah was a long time resident of Santa Cruz County. She pursued her many interests with a rare passion. We remember that passion, when as NAMI-SCC president last year, she journeyed alone to a regional NAMI meeting, and became the target of hostility when she questioned NAMI leadership on the the censorship of two of The Journal’s editorials (by the pages being glued together) and of unresolved disputes between its editor, Dan Weisburg, and the NAMI California board (click here for full story by Hannah). Hannah served as NAMI Santa Cruz County president from May through the end of last year and was a strong advocate for the mentally ill and for their families.

Hannah had several careers that focused on those who needed her the most; the developmentally disabled, troubled teens, elderly in addition to her work for the mentally ill. All have benefited from her compassionate care. During the last years of her life, she taught music to elementary school children in Santa Cruz, Soquel, Watsonville and Bonny Doon.

Music was an essential part of her being. Hannah was a member of several community chorale groups over the years, including the Cabrillo College chorus. She was also a member of the Santa Cruz Orff Schulwerk society.

Her memory will be cherished by all the hearts she touched in her short life. The family thanks her many friends for their love and support. We in NAMI Santa Cruz County will miss Hannah's energy and enthusiasm to do the best she could in every situation.

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