Renée McFadden Obituary, The Death Has Occurred Of Renée McFadden

Renée McFadden Obituary, Death – Renée Fancher McFadden, a cherished wife, devoted mother, and esteemed educator, peacefully passed away at her home on June 17, 2023. She was 64 years old.

Renée’s love story began when she met her soulmate, Dave McFadden, during freshmen orientation at Manchester College in August 1976. Their bond was undeniable, leading to an engagement in January and a blissful marriage the following November.

For nearly 47 years, Renée and Dave shared a journey filled with love, companionship, and unwavering support. In her final years, Renée held the esteemed position of first spouse at Manchester University, where her husband served as president.

Together, they dedicated themselves to the university’s mission, traveling for donor visits and hosting numerous gatherings at Tall Oaks, the president’s residence. Renée’s exceptional talent as a hostess shone through, as she meticulously attended to every detail, creating a warm and inviting environment for friends, students, and colleagues alike.

Renée’s passion for education was evident throughout her career, spanning from teaching first-grade students to college-level instruction. Her impact as an educator extended across California, North Manchester, and Warsaw.

Renée’s effectiveness in the classroom earned her the endearing title of “Mrs. McFadden” and the deep affection of her students and peers. She held a special fondness for teaching reading, sharing her love for children’s books and authors with her students.

Renée furthered her academic pursuits, obtaining a Master’s in Education from Azusa Pacific University with a focus on reading. Outside of their professional endeavors, Renée and Dave found solace in their shared love for gardening, particularly cultivating hostas.

Their abundant collection was readily shared with friends, bringing Renée immense joy. They also cherished their car travels, purposely avoiding interstates and reveling in the beauty of small towns and countryside.

Above all, their greatest joy came from spending time with family, particularly their beloved children, Rachel and Sam, and their granddaughter, Mackenzie. Renée was born on June 23, 1958, in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

She is survived by her adoring husband, Dave; children, Rachel and Sam, along with Sam’s partner, Mackenzie Coulter-Kern; her mother, Doris Carpenter; brothers, Joseph (Karen), Jon (Mary), and Neil (Beth); and many extended family members. Renée was preceded in death by her father, Donald Eugene Fancher, and stepfather, James Carpenter.

A memorial service honoring the life of Renée McFadden will be held on June 24, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Manchester Church of the Brethren in North Manchester, Indiana. Following the service, the McFadden family will be available to receive friends and share cherished memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions to the Community Foundation of Wabash County’s “Operation Change the Future” project. Donations can be made online at cfwabash.org or by mail to 220 East Main Street, North Manchester, IN 46962.

The compassionate professionals at McKee Mortuary have been entrusted with the care and final arrangements for Renée McFadden and her bereaved family.