Shelley Fabares, a beloved actress who is best known for her role in the hit 1990s TV sitcom “Coach” as well as on “The Donna Reed Show,” passed away on Aug. 22 at the age of 82. And now, new information has come out regarding her death.
According to PEOPLE, her family confirmed that she died of pneumonia, having been previously diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis. She received a liver transplant in 2000.
Her family also shared a statement with the outlet on Aug. 23, saying she had passed away in Los Angeles surrounded by her loved ones. Fabares was remembered as a “source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort.”
“She was a devoted wife, cherished stepmother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, family member, and loyal friend whose warmth, generosity, humor, and grace made an enduring difference in the lives of everyone who knew her,” their statement read. “She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.”
“She brought talent, intelligence, and warmth to every performance,” the family statement continued. “But to those closest to her, her greatest legacy was personal: the love she gave so freely, the friendships she treasured, and the family bonds she held dear.”
She is survived by her husband, M*A*S*H star Mike Farrell, and stepchildren.
Mike Farrell Pens Emotional Tribute To Wife Shelley Fabares
Farrell took to Instagram on Monday, August 24, sharing an emotional tribute to his wife, confirming news of her passing.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Shelley Fabares, who died Saturday, August 22 in Los Angeles surrounded by those who loved her,” he began. “To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort. She was a devoted wife, cherished stepmother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, family member, and loyal friend whose warmth, generosity, humor, and grace made an enduring difference in the lives of everyone who knew her. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.
“For millions, Shelley was a beloved actress whose work became part of the fabric of American television and film. From her memorable role as Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show, where she also launched a successful recording career with her number one hit, “Johnny Angel,” to her appearances opposite Elvis Presley in three films, her beloved role on Coach, and her many other television and film performances, she brought talent, intelligence, and warmth to every performance. But to those closest to her, her greatest legacy was personal: the love she gave so freely, the friendships she treasured, and the family bonds she held dear,” Farrell continued. “We will remember Shelley for her kindness, loyalty, wit, courage, and beautiful spirit. We will miss her deeply—not only as a celebrated performer, but as the loving and extraordinary person she was in our everyday lives.”
“We are heartbroken by her loss, yet profoundly grateful for the years we shared with her and for the joy, compassion, and love she brought to so many. We ask that our family’s privacy be respected as we grieve. We take comfort in knowing that Shelley’s work and the memories she created with those who loved her will continue to live on,” he concluded.
Shelley Fabares Dedicated Her Time To Fundraising For Alzheimer’s Research
Along with her work as an actress and singer, she also spent time fundraising for Alzheimer’s research, as it was personal for her since her mother was diagnosed.
“I travel around the country, make speeches, do fundraising, testify before Congress — things that I never thought I would ever do,” she told The Roanoke Times in 1994. “It is so far out of the realm of what I thought I would be doing with my life. But I had the example of what Mike has done with his life. My experience with the Alzheimer’s Association has been one of the most rewarding of my life.”
