Shelley Fabares, the actor best known for her roles in The Donna Reed Show and Coach, died Saturday at the age of 82. Her family said she died in Los Angeles surrounded by loved ones.
In a statement shared with PEOPLEFabares’ family remembered her as a loving wife, stepmother, sister, aunt and friend who brought warmth, humor and comfort to the people around her.
“To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort,” Fabares’ family said. “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.”
“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,” the statement added.
Cause of death
Fabares’ family has not publicly disclosed her cause of death. Some reports said she died following a brief illness.
Husband
Fabares was married twice.
She married record and film producer Lou Adler in 1964. The couple separated around 1966 and divorced in 1980.
In 1984, she married actor Mike Farrell, best known for playing BJ Hunnicutt on MASH*. They married on December 31, 1984, at the Pacific Palisades home of Fabares’ aunt, actress Nanette Fabray.
Fabares and Farrell remained married for more than 40 years, until her death.
Did Shelley Fabares have children?
Fabares did not have biological children. She was the stepmother to Farrell’s two children from his previous marriage to actress Judy Farrell: Erin Farrell and Michael Farrell, according to a 1991 Sun Sentinel profile.
