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 Mary Ida Knight Phair was born in Amarillo, Texas on October 23, 1920. She died from complications of pneumonia on November 9, 2012, at her residence in Regents Point, Irvine, California. Her family was at her bedside.
At age seven, Mary Ida and her family move to Southern California. They settled in South Pasadena where she would spend the next 50 years. During that period she would go through the local school system, marry schoolmate Bob Phair (SPHS '37) in 1941, and help raise Rob (SPHS '63) and Randy (SPHS '67), their two sons. Mary Ida decided to continue her higher education. Her first priority was always family, but she somehow managed to graduate from college (UCLA, CSULA) in 1961 and go on to receive her masters degree from USC Library School. One week later she was hired at her alma mater, South Pasadena High School, and was in that position for the next 20 years. She received many awards and accolades. She seemed to be most proud of organizing the Grand Reunion of 75 years of classes in 1982. Approximately 7,000 alumni came from all over the world and participated in a parade through downtown. The part she seemed to enjoy most was that nobody thought it could be done. It got done and in grand fashion. When she retired they named the library/media center the Mary Ida Phair Media Center. It remains so today.
After retirement, she and Bob moved to Dana Point. She remained active as a docent for the San Juan Capistrano Mission, Dana Point Historical Society, and the Ocean Institute. In 2003 she moved to Regents Point in Irvine. Mary Ida was an inspiration. She accomplished many wonderful things. She volunteered to be a Girl Scout leader when they couldn't find someone, even though she only had two boys. On a lark she decided to coach the high school girl's field hockey team. Her greatest joy was her family, first and foremost. She was a positive and optimistic person. She was generous with her time, her intelligence, and her love. Mary Ida was a born teacher who loved to mentor people: from encouraging her sons every inch of the way; to helping students realize their potential; more recently, to helping employees at Regents Point learn the English language.
Mary Ida was predeceased by husband Bob in 1998, son Randy in 1995; brothers James Knight (SPHS '37) and Luther Knight (SPHS '41); and sister Jeanette Claycamp (SPHS '43). She is survived by her son Rob; daughter-in-law Randa; three grandchildren, Rory, Luke, and Eden; Tim (Rory's husband); and four great-grandchildren, Will, Luke, Jack, and Kate.
Los Angeles Times, November 14, 2012
NOTE: Mrs. Phair is also listed on the Faculty page.
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Steven S Kane (1966)
I remember Mrs. Phair well. She was an outstanding librarian and never failed to help students to find the materials they needed, or, just a book to read. She also helped some students, myself included, to exhibit better libarary behavior, but she always did this in a kind and understanding way. School librarians like Mrs. Phair make a huge contribution to education, which is not always fully acknowledged. In addition to her work as a librarian for 20 years, Mrs. Phair performed a great service to SPHS alumni by founding the Alumni Association. Educators like Mary Ida Phair are much missed and very hard to replace.
Randy R Willett (1964)
I was a new student from out of state and needed an elective, since underwater basket weaving was not being offered, I took library. My motivation, being a senior, was to breeze through the year as easily as possible. I quickly found out that being in the library was a whole lot more than I thought but became a joy and a special time of learning because of Mrs. Phair. I guess learning the dewey decimal system was what I remember most and helped me greatly in my college years. She was a very special lady. I am thankful for the privilege of knowing her.
Forrest Allen (1957)
Mary Ida was a very dear and special person to me. She used to baby sit me when I was a child. She and my brother Roger and sisters Colleen and Wanda were very good friends. She always said my Mother Hilda was like a mother to her. Each time we met she would share snippets from her memories about me or the others.
May she rest in peace.
Steve Ledder (1960)
I stood in awe of Mrs, Phair coming up with the grand idea of an SPHS "grand reunion", and then pulling it off! I attended the Grand Reunions in 1982, 1992 and 2012 and had a wonderful time at each. The legacy of SPHS has become even better because of this very special alum and person. I'll be unable to attend the memorial celebration on Sunday, but will be at the SPHS Phair library in spirit. My condolences to the family of this exceptional person. Steve Ledder SPHS 1960
Richard Mooberry (1964)
What an amazing woman with such patience and wisdom!! She has touched the lives of many generations of students and friends in and around South Pas - for decades everyone was enriched by the association with her. My earliest memories were Lincoln School when I was in the 5th or 6th grade and hated reading - her most stern comment after many, many, many attempts at finding something I would read: "you are very hard to please when it comes to your reading material". Always encouraging and loving - (she kept trying until she found a book for me...which I loved!). She was a loving mother who gave us cookies and rides to practice and games when we were in sports with the boys, a friend to all us neighbor kids, a consummate educator and wonderful example of how we should grow to be adults. My mother sought her counsel often. Like so many I count my blessings at having known Mary Ida. My sincerest condolences to Rob and family! Mary Ida has left a GRAND legacy!