Ann Caldwell Fabens

Ann Fabens, 98, died on April 21, 2025 after many happy years of living in Shaker Heights, Mentor on the Lake, and finally at Judson Park retirement community.

Born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Jackson, Tennessee she chose Pine Manor and then Smith College for her college experience. There she met her beloved husband Bruce Fabens and they spent most of their married life in Cleveland. Her Junior League commitments and volunteer work centered around Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital where she served for many years on their Board. St Paul's Episcopal Church was an important part of their family life. Having married a sailor Ann and Bruce cruised extensively on their various sail and motor boats. In the winter they enjoyed skiing throughout the US and Canada.

They were blessed with four children, Bruce Fabens (Diana Levy), Tish Fabens MD, Rachel Waldorf, and Frank Fabens (Gloria Albetta) who all have had successful careers into their adulthood. Her nine grandchildren have given her so much pleasure: Sam Fabens (Julia), Eli Fabens (Meredith Pamp), Laura Fabens-Lassen (Connor Howell), Ben Fabens-Lassen (Heather Gold), Ann Fabens Lassen (Patrick Rafferty), Hannah Waldorf, Alison Waldorf (Adam Acree), Isabella Fabens and Gabe Fabens (Maya Lomeli),including the many happy vacations they shared together. Her six great grandchildren Lucy, Will, Ramona, Ryan, Ruby and Willa will know of her as they grow up.

Ann wanted to connect with everyone in the room. She knew how to engage with people in a way that made them want to share their lives in conversation with her. She had a caring and generous spirit, always making space for family and friends. Whenever you mentioned Ann’s name people always shared a meaningful experience they had with her. It seemed to her grandchildren that wherever they traveled, they met someone who knew Ann. She embraced the fullness of life, the troubles, the joys and the adventures. Ann will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

Donations may be made in her name to UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital (www.uhhospitals.org/rainbow/about/giving-to-uh-rainbow) or to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2747 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Hts., OH 44118.

A Funeral Service will be held at St Paul’s Episcopal Church on May 10, 2025 at 11:00 am with a reception to follow. Interment Lake View Cemetery.