Actress Shelley Fabares, known for her roles on *The Donna Reed Show* and *Coach*, died Saturday at age 82 after a brief illness. Her family revealed Thursday that the cause of death was pneumonia. Fabares had previously been diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis and received a liver transplant in October 2000.
Fabares’ family shared a statement describing her as “a source of love, strength, laughter and comfort.” They continued, “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.”
The actress played Mary Stone on *The Donna Reed Show*, which aired from 1958 to 1966. She also appeared in three films alongside Elvis Presley: *Girl Happy* (1965), *Spinout* (1966), and *Clambake* (1967). Fabares starred in the 1971 TV film *Brian’s Song* with James Caan.
In 1962, Fabares achieved a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with her rendition of “Johnny Angel.” Later in her career, she played the TV newscaster wife of Craig T. Nelson’s character on the ABC comedy *Coach*, earning two Emmy nominations during the show’s eight-season run from 1989 to 1997. Her additional television credits include *One Day at a Time*, *The Practice* with Danny Thomas, *Highcliffe Manor*, and *Forever Fernwood*.
Fabares is survived by her husband, *M*A*S*H actor Mike Farrell.
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