Virginia Fairweather, a former editor-in-chief of ASCE’s Civil Engineering whose guidance of the magazine from 1983 through 1998 took her to civil engineering sites and gatherings worldwide, has died. She was 89.
After graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Connecticut, she set aside career aspirations for over a decade to raise her children. As a young mother, she volunteered for fair housing efforts and set examples for her children regarding civil rights, social justice, and treating all people fairly.
She began a career in scientific writing and editing, and after 10 years became the editor of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ flagship magazine. Her oversight included writing many of its articles and coauthoring several books. In her early years, she was often the only woman leader present at civil engineering activities. She took pride in setting an example for the equality and professional capacity of women.
After stepping down in 1998, Fairweather continued writing as a consultant for almost a decade. She co-authored multiple editions of a seminal handbook, Construction Claims: Prevention and Resolution. For ASCE’s 150th anniversary in 2002, she revised and updated the 1974 history of the Society, The American Civil Engineer 1852-2002: The history, traditions, and development of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Those who knew her enjoyed engaging with Fairweather’s sharp wit and wide knowledge. She enjoyed traveling, reading, appreciating art, nature, and design, and instilled that in her children. She was an avid tennis player, museumgoer, and loved theater.
She is survived by her husband Howard; four children, six grandchildren, and a brother. Donations in her memory may be made to Swords into Plowshares.
