BETHANCOURT, Eileen Elizabeth

Eileen Elizabeth Fairbanks Bethancourt, age 81, passed away in her home on Saturday, March 20, 2004, in the loving arms of her family. Eileen was born in Chattanooga Tennessee on September 2, 1922, to Arthur F. and Johanna O'Donoughue Fairbanks. Eileen spent her formidable years at St. Mary's Catholic Church and school. She was a member of St. Agnes Parish and was a former member of the St. Agnes Sodality. Eileen Bethancourt worked at St. Josephs Hospital and Humana until her retirement. Eileen had many roles in life. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt to a large extended family. Her greatest accomplishments in life were caring for and loving her family. A day never went by where she did not pray for her family and for those in need. Throughout her life her faith in God and humankind never wavered. Eileen Elizabeth Fairbanks Bethancourt is survived by her devoted husband, Bruce Bethancourt, Sr., who cared for her during her extended illness; her sons, Michael Bethancourt and his wife, Sharon of Littleton, Colorado, Dr. Bruce Bethancourt, Jr., and his wife, Lee, Kevin Bethancourt and his wife, Lisa Martin of Phoenix; her daughters, Patricia Martin and her husband, Trailer of Redondo Beach, California, Mary Alice Burke and her husband, Joe, and Joanne Allen, both of Fresno, California, Sheila Bethancourt and Shauna Coulter of Phoenix. Eileen is also survived by her loving brother and sisters, Arthur Fairbanks and sister-in-law, Wilma Fairbanks of the Phoenix area, her sister Madge Hastie and brother-in-law William Hastie of Menefee, California, and sister Mary Jo Wilkinson and brother-in-law Iggie Wilkinson of Phoenix. Eileen was a grandmother of nineteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and an aunt of a multitude of nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved and was very proud. The family wishes to thank the many wonderful caregivers who lovingly care for our Mom this past year. Special thanks to Hospice of the Valley, Dr. Nowali Mengesha, Cathleen Collins, RN, Carol, Elvia and Michala, CNAs and Natalie Clark, Jackie Parent, Helen Guerrero, and Cindy Fairbanks. A Rosary was held at Whitney and Murphy Arcadia Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phx on Monday, March 22, 2004. A funeral mass was held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1954 N. 24th Street, Phoenix, on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 with interment at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street. Donations may be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Published in the Arizona Republic on 3/22/2004.