Dianne Clarke Fair

Dianne Clarke Fair, age 58, passed away on May 30, 2025, peacefully at home with her family. She is predeceased by her parents Beverly Ann King and Richard J. “Scotty” Clarke, and is survived by her husband, Charles Fair and her son, Stephen Fair, parents-in-law Charles and Sandra Fair, brothers Bruce Bennett (Betty) and Richard J. Clarke; niece Gena Bennett and fiancé Marcus Ellis, and nephew Joseph Bennett (Wanying) and beloved family friends Justin Boyce and Cassandra Stiltz.  And always her beloved pup and companion, Finley.

Dianne attended AI DuPont High School before advancing to the University of Delaware where she earned her Bachelors Degree in Education and later her Masters Degree in Business Administration. Ready to begin her professional career, she joined MBNA America in 1993, where she spent 32 years learning, growing, and advancing business initiatives through her expertise in data analytics and financial strategy development.

Dianne met the love of her life, Charlie Fair through her brother Richard Clarke.  It didn’t take long for them to quickly become soulmates and they Wed on May 10th, 1997.    Their mission in life was realized when they welcomed Stephen to their family in 2001.

Stephen has special needs, and Dianne was a fierce advocate for him.  Dianne, Charlie and their parents have done things way out for the “normal” set of social standards to make sure Stephen is loved and has fun the way he wants to.   Stephen has always been Dianne’s, Charlie’s, and their parents’ center of focus.

There’s an opportunity that would be missed if I didn’t say to reach out to people with special needs, when the occasion allows.  It can be as simple as saying “Hi” it helps to acknowledge those who may be out of the social norm.  It takes strength and courage to do something out of the normal and that’s how Dianne, Charlie, Richard, and their parents live every day to make sure Stephen has his fun and is shown love.

“Carpe Diem (Seize the Day)” This is the phrase that Dianne and Charlie used and lived by, they have it on their Jeep license plate (CARPEDM). When free time was available, they knew how to take advantage of it together. They loved nothing more than to go the Beaches in Delaware, Florida, and Aruba.  They would go in the afternoons and enjoyed nothing more than watching the sunsets.   They loved their sports (Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles), listened to sports radio for countless hours, and often went to the games.  They loved being on their boat in the summer cruising in the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays watching nature and enjoying the peace and serenity that the water brought to them. Finley was Dianne’s dog and they shared a very special bond. She loved watching Finley play and they would often play outside games such as hide and seek.   Dianne and Charlie loved to take long walks with Finley at White Clay Creek state park, walk and swim with her at the Delaware beaches, and having her on the boat. 

Dianne’s services will be private with her family.

In lieu of flowers those wishing to honor her life are encouraged to donate to one or both of the organizations that currently support her special needs son Stephen.

Forward Journey Adult Day Services (https://forwardjourney.org/support-us/make-a-donation/) in memory of Dianne Fair. 

Forward Journey, 52 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720 (302.731.0301).

Camp Fairlee (Easter Seals), checks payable to Camp Fairlee Easter Seals (notation, in memory of Dianne Fair).

Camp Fairlee, 22242 Bayshore Road, Chestertown, MD 21620 (410.778.0566).

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