Gloria C. (Wilson) Fairbanks, 79, St. Paul, Minn., formerly of Minot, N.D., passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of Dec. 2 in St. Paul.

She was born Sept. 8, 1930, in Beachville, Maryland. She grew up on a farm near the Chesapeake Bay. She married George F. Fairbanks on June 14, 1948. For many years they made their home in Minot, where she made friends easily and became well known for her meals and parties. For the past 25 years Gloria and George made their home on Grand Avenue in St. Paul, Minn. In St. Paul Gloria delighted in exploring the area's restaurants and arts attractions.

She is survived by: her husband of 61 years, who cared for her at the end of her life. She is also survived by three children, Paul, of Walker, Minn.; Rick (Angela) of Ashland, Wis.; Kely (John) of Hebron, N.D. She is also survived by daughter-in-law Kris Matson, of Northfield, Minn. Eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, whose lives she impacted greatly, will miss her forever.

A memorial lunch will be held Jan. 9 in St. Paul. At a later date her ashes will be spread in her beloved Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.