Fayrda Fredriksen

On May 7, 2026, Tustin lost a beautiful, gracious lady when Fayrda J. Fredriksen got to go to Heaven. Born in Buffalo, New York on April 23, 1923, “Fay” lived a happy, busy, successful, and healthy life for 103 years. She broke the family record for longevity; often she couldn’t believe her own age!

Fay always loved to go out dancing and met her husband Walter at a dance in 1939. They were married two years later, just before “Walt” had to report for duty in World War II. While Walt was stationed in California Fay took a train cross-country to spend time with her husband before he deployed. It was then that their love of California began.

While Walt was serving in the South Pacific, Fay kept busy writing him letters, volunteering with the Red Cross, and working as a cosmetic consultant in a specialty department store in Buffalo. She had a great following of women who appreciated her skills and enjoyed being in her company. After Walt’s return, they established a home in Lackawanna and began their family, with Kathy’s birth in 1948 followed by Wally’s in 1953. Life was good, yet in 1961 Fay and Walt took an opportunity to move to California and begin a warmer lifestyle!

The Fredriksen family explored the country as they drove out west in a trailer to begin their new life. Fay and Walt purchased a house in Tustin and worked together to open the Tustin Hacienda Home for the Elderly–one of the first of its kind in Orange County. Fay was adored by the residents and employees alike because she genuinely cared about each and every one of them. Patience, positivity, and acceptance were her strengths. Active in numerous civic organizations, including the Tustin Women’s Chamber of Commerce and the Tustin Area Historical Society, Fay was always busy.

Even after retiring, Fay kept a full social calendar. She loved to host gatherings at her home, helped with many charity events, and enjoyed extensive travel with Walt and their circle of friends. She was thrilled when she became a loving grandma to Kathy’s children, Kristin and Karin, always encouraging them to be adventurous and experience new things.

Fay was loved and respected by all. She is survived by her daughter Kathy Oberst, her two granddaughters, and several generations of nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Tustin Dollars for Scholars.