Lyda Fairweather

Lyda Teresa Fairweather, 99, Grand Forks, died Sunday, May 6, 2012 in Valley Memorial Homes Eldercare Center. Lyda was born November 4, 1912 in Gilby, North Dakota to Peter and Mathilda (Hakenson) Nelson. She was baptized at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Honeyford, North Dakota and confirmed at Ness Lutheran Church in Mekinock, North Dakota. She attended a one room school through the eighth grade, Central High School in Grand Forks for three years, and her senior year in Starkweather, North Dakota where she graduated in 1932. Lyda worked at Hariman's Sanitarium for 2 1/2 years as a nurse's aide, and for many years caring for patients in their homes. Lyda married Lloyd Fairweather on January 29, 1946 and became Mother to his two dear children. They joined Wesley United Methodist Church in 1947. Lyda taught Sunday school, was chairperson and active in her circle for many years. They built a cabin on Kitchi Lake in Minnesota and loved having family visit and teaching grandchildren how to fish. Lyda loved having family dinners, driving her friends to and from appointments and shopping, and volunteering at Valley Memorial Homes for many years after working 26 years at Griffith's Department Store. Lloyd passed away January 7, 1978. He joined the Fire Department in May, 1936, and was the Fire Chief in Grand Forks for the last 14 years of his life. Lyda is survived by: a daughter, Joanne (Allan) Meisner, Grand Forks, ND a son, David (Patricia), Boonville, IN, 9 grandchildren; Allan Meisner, Moorhead, MN, Cathy Schmidt, Bismarck, ND, Bruce, Grand Forks, ND, Lori (Terry) Sannes, Grand Forks, and Jon (Charlotte Landgraf) of Zimmerman, MN, David (Brenda) Fairweather, Cencumate OH, Steve (Sally) Fairweather, Evansville,IN, Debra (Scott) Marlin, Henderson KY, and Scott Fairweather, Daleville, AL, 9 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren; her sister, Verna Veitch, Grand Forks; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter, brothers, Edgar (Alma) Nelson and Verner Nelson; by sisters Alva (Gale) Brooks, Esther (Palmer) Anderson, Mae (Glenn) Bonlie; in-laws, Dave and Vera Fairweather and sister-in-law Louise (Woodrow) Peterson. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Wesley United Methodist Church, or Valley Memorial Homes. Funeral Services: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 12, 2012 in Wesley United Methodist Church, 1600 4th Ave North, Grand Forks. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. Prayer Service Friday, May 11, 2012 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks and one hour prior to the service in church. Interment: Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks.