COOPERSTOWN _ Fae Malania, 88, of Cooperstown, a resident of the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home, died Saturday morning, Oct. 20, 2007.
Born Fae Etheldra East in Chicago, Ill., on March 23, 1919, Fae was educated in her beloved California, and at the Cathedral School for Girls in Washington, D.C.
Following her graduation from Swarthmore College, class of 1940, Fae was employed for a number of years as the assistant to the managing editor of Mademoiselle Magazine. Throughout her life, she regularly wrote her personal reflections both published and unpublished.
In 1950, she married Russian born Leo Malania, a member of Canada's Department of External Affairs, who served as the principal aide to the Secretary General of the United Nations. Subsequently, Leo received a calling, was ordained an Episcopal priest, and in 1964, they moved to his new parish, St. David's in Cambria Heights, Queens.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Leo was "Coordinator of Revision of the Episcopal Church's, Book of Common Prayer." The revision was not undertaken lightly and after much anguish was ultimately established and published in 1979. Fae, utilizing her editing and writing skill, assisted with the revision. She personally authored much of the language of the General Confession contained in Rite II.
Fae was a quiet, unassuming individual. She was a woman of clear and deep faith, and possessed of a spirituality and wisdom which she freely shared with her friends. As one of her dear friends stated, "she exuded a profound sense of life's struggle, triumph and sweetness."
In 1968, a book of her insightful and moving essays entitled, "The Quantity of a Hazelnut" was published by Alfred Knopf, Inc. A second edition was published in 2005. Her essays, focus on her spiritual journey and provide insight not only into the nature and depth of her spirituality but also evidence that the touchstones of Fae's faith were in many cases ordinary and humble things.
Fae was a devout Episcopalian and she was active with several religious Orders. For many years she lived as a "Third Order Franciscan" and later she lived by Benedictine Rule. She fully immersed herself in the parish life and outreach programs of Christ Church, Cooperstown.
Fae was also active in the community. She was a member of the League of Woman Voters and was a volunteer at both Bassett Hospital and Catskill Area Hospice.
A voracious reader, Fae usually had four or five books "under way" at any one time, including most recently, the newest Harry Potter. She never missed reading the New Yorker and was a daily reader of The New York Times. She especially loved crossword puzzles, current events, children, animals and a "good" cup of coffee.
She will be remembered for her practical nature, her sharp intellect, her modesty, her humble, quiet and unassuming nature, for her gentle soul, soft voice and for her unfailingly polite and kind personality.
Fae was predeceased by her beloved husband, Leo, in 1983, just days after they retired to the Cooperstown area; and by her stepson, Dimitri, in 1986.
She leaves surviving her dear friend, Patricia Moore, of Long Island; her spiritual advisor, Brother Bede of Holy Cross Monastery, West Park; and her close circle of Christ Church friends and confidants.
Fae's life will be celebrated at a memorial service to be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 26, 2007, at Christ Church in Cooperstown with the Rev. Samuel B. Abbott, pastor, officiating. Immediately thereafter a committal and burial service will be held at the Christ Church Columbarium wall. A reception in the Christ Church Parish Hall will follow the committal.
In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that those who so desire make contributions in Fae's name to "Christ Church-Stephen Ministry," care of Christ Church, 69 Fair St., Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements are under the supervision of Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown and Milford.
Published in The Daily Star on 10/23/2007