Laura Hagen Fairbanks

Laura Teresa Hagen Fairbanks was born on August 19, 1955, in Naples, Italy, at the U.S. Naval Support Activity Base, to Rita Elaina Mazzochi Hagen and Roy Edmund Hagen. She lived in Tucson and was the beloved wife of Marvin Fairbanks for 40 years. She was predeceased by her parents, Rita and Roy Hagen. Laura is survived by her husband, Marvin; her three sons, Brian, Joel, and Matthew; her sisters, Alison Kraham and Cynthia Hagen; her brother, Steven Hagen; her grandchildren, Cove and Saylor; and her nieces and nephews, Jennifer Kraham, Lauren Kraham, Scott Hagen, Sarah Hagen, and Stephanie Wrt. 

Laura lived with unmistakable zest. If she loved you, you knew it. That certainty made her a devoted wife, mother, sister, nana, and friend. She moved through life with generosity, believing that even small acts could make the world better. In countless quiet ways, she did. 

Her values, shaped by her Catholic upbringing, were expressed through a practical faith. She believed no one stood above another. She showed up for friends, family, and community, gathering people and making them feel seen. Listening was one of her gifts. She knew how to be present without taking over a moment. Conversations with Laura left people lighter and steadier. That care reflected the faith she carried and the example of Christ she tried to follow-at home and at work. 

For more than 30 years, Laura served Pima County, leading the Office of Community Relations and building lasting relationships throughout the community she loved. She was also active in civic life, serving on several boards, including the Tucson National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Inside and outside of her professional life, Laura was a writer at heart. That's why she took language seriously and jokingly called herself a "grammar Nazi." She loved laughter, singing and entertaining her wide circle of friends, who often found themselves around her table. Holidays were her stage, especially Christmas, where her authentically Italian lasagna with big, juicy meatballs was tradition. 

Ultimately, she was a loving nana to Cove and Saylor. As Cove says, she now watches from heaven, cheerleading to make people happy. 

¡Vaya con Dios, Laura. You will be deeply missed.

Mass of Christian Burial, 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, 1300 N. Greasewood Rd., Tucson, Arizona 85745