Sidney Jean Fairbanks Doan
Join us in celebrating Sidney—please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
Sidney Jean Fairbanks Doan was born in Homer, New York, on June 8, 1935, to parents Reginald Whitmore Fairbanks, III and Evelyn Hicks. She spent sixty years as a resident of Danby, New York. Sidney passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on December 12, 2021, in Katy, Texas, after moving there eleven months ago.
Sidney was an outstanding and contributing member of the community. She served thirty-years as a dedicated Administrative Assistant for Cornell University. One of her greatest gifts was her passion and caring for all people. Sidney was a member of the Danby Federated Church in Danby, New York and later the Etna Community Church in Etna, New York, where her faith and great strength made her a leader. She was involved in multiple outreach ministries and was directly responsible for implementing a Prayer Shawl Ministry at multiple churches. Sidney was a multi-talented gifted person and her heart for people led her to teach Bible School at her beloved church. Sidney's commitment to her community led her to one of her proudest honors as a member of The Order of the Eastern Star.
Sidney married the love of her life, husband Robert Melvin Doan and was able to share 67 amazing years of a cherished marriage. They were married on August 7, 1954 in their much-loved Ithaca, New York. Their faith was the foundation for their marriage and the family that they shared together. She was a loving and caring mother who inspired each of her children and grandchildren to fulfill their dreams and also to serve and give back to their communities.
.She will be missed by her beloved husband, Pastor Bob Doan of Katy, Texas; son, Robert J. Doan and wife Christina of Baltimore, Maryland; daughter, Pennie L. Opdyke and husband Scott of Weston Lakes, Texas; daughter, H. Kay Ritz and husband Gary of Hunt, New York; son, Tim Doan and wife Stephanie of Corning, New York; and one other son Gossa Tsegaye and wife Elizabeth of Ithaca, New York. Sidney had ten beautiful grandchildren and nine amazing great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by numerous other relatives and a host of close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Reginald and Evelyn Fairbanks; one brother and four sisters.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on April 23, 2022 at Etna Community Church, Etna, New York, with committal of ashes at Glenwood Cemetery in Homer, New York. The family is asking that you come as you are and no black attire. Sidney loved the color yellow, however, bright spring colors are great. A reception will be held afterwards.
Those wishing to donate to a charity in memory of Sidney Doan may donate to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/nca/donate) or Etna Community Church, 1 Upper Creek Road, Etna, New York 13062.
To leave condolences, please visit www.SchmidtFuneralHome.net
Schmidt Funeral Home
1344 W. Grand Parkway South ~ Katy, Texas 77494 ~ (281) 391-2424