ObituaryCATHY MITCHELL FAIRBANKSITHACA - Cathy Mitchell Fairbanks, 56, died on January 28, 2004, after a long illness. She died peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her loving friends and family.Born in Binghamton, NY, Cathy moved to Ithaca in 1971 and began a 10-year career in the restaurant and bar scene. Renowned for her quick wit and one-liners, she soon earned the reputation of being the best bartender, joke teller and listener around. Cathy spent three of those years in Hawaii, where she worked and traveled with the love of her life, Randy Fairbanks. They married soon after returning to Ithaca. Cathy then began her second career that of providing loving, nurturing care to virtually hundreds of Ithaca's children as they passed through both Cayuga Hts. Elem. School, and it's School Age Child Car Program, for which she served as its longtime director. Though Cathy had no children of her own, she happily became a second mother to so many of our own kids, and they'll remember her as being loving, caring, genuine, fair, and most of all, fun. Completely non judgmental of anyone's faults or mistakes, Cathy proudly taught this important lesson to all her "kids," as well as to her friends.Cathy lived and loved life passionately, and with great humor. She regularly rescued and loved numerous stray animals throughout her life, and was also an avid gardener. Tending her flowers was one of Cathy's favorite pastimes. She was immensely proud of her beautiful gardens, and loved conducting "tours" for her friends.Whether from behind the bar at a local pub, from her "office" at her school, or through the warmhearted friendship she extended to all, Cathy touched more lives, and was loved by more people than most of us can ever hope for. A huge void has been left in all of our heats that can never, ever be filled.Predeceased by her parents, Ray and Kay Mitchell, Cathy is survived by her husband and partner of 23 years, Randy Fairbanks; her lifelong friend and "sister," Mary Ellen Sprague; several special aunts, and cousins, and countless other devoted friends, school kids and families in the Ithaca, Binghamton and Scranton areas.A celebration of Cathy's extraordinary life is being planned now, and details will be posted very soon. Please call Mary Ellen at 273-3681 if you'd like to help. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cathy's honor to the SPCA.Godspeed, L'il Bit. Thank you for a lifetime of memories. You are forever in our hearts.