Early Life and Colombian Roots
Fabiola R. Bidwell entered the world in December 1937 in Colombia, long before smartphones and streaming marathons existed. Born into a vibrant Latin American culture, she spent her formative years amidst family traditions and emerging political shifts of the mid‑20th century.
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | December 1937 |
| Birthplace | Colombia |
| Childhood Era | 1937–1955 |
| Age in 2025 | 87 |
At age 18 (circa 1955), Fabiola witnessed Colombia’s post‑war transition, a backdrop that likely instilled in her the resilience she would later bring to family life.
Migration and Family Formation
Sometime before September 1973, Fabiola crossed borders to forge a new life in the United States. By age 35, she married Howard Dexter Bidwell, a U.S. Navy veteran and civil engineer, blending Colombian warmth with Connecticut pragmatism.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Immigration Window | Mid‑1960s to early 1970s |
| Marriage Year | Estimated early 1970s |
| Fabiola’s Age at Marriage | ~34–36 |
| Children from Marriage | 1 (Julie) |
Her daughter Julie was born on September 25, 1973, marking the start of Fabiola’s most public role: proud mother to a future Fox News anchor.
Life in Avon, Connecticut
Fabiola has called 9 Walnut Lane, Avon, CT her home for decades, keeping a low profile while still mastering the art of neighborhood garden parties and snow‑shoveling marathons.
| Attribute | Metric |
|---|---|
| Address | 9 Walnut Lane, Avon, Connecticut |
| Years of Residence | 40+ years (since circa 1980) |
| Climate | Humid continental (4 seasons) |
| Community Role | Unofficial block organizer |
Despite living just 12 miles from Hartford’s hustle, she’s chosen Avon’s quieter streets—perfect for afternoon teas and covert cookie sampling.
The Julie Banderas Motherhood-Media Connection
While Fabiola’s career remains under wraps, her legacy shines through daughter Julie Bidwell (known professionally as Julie Banderas). From 1980 high‑school stage productions to anchoring national broadcasts, Julie’s rise provides glimpses into Fabiola’s guidance.
| Year | Julie’s Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1991 | Graduated Avon High School |
| 1995 | Emerson College degree |
| 2001 | Local news reporter at WFSB (Hartford) |
| 2005 | Joined Fox News — Fox Report Weekend anchor |
| 2025 | Fill‑in anchor on America’s Newsroom, Outnumbered, and more |
The dry witted Fabiola taught Julie persistence—because nothing says “keep going” like braving Avon winters and live TV nerves.
Extended Family Ties: Bidwell NFL Dynasty
Long before Julie’s headlines, the Bidwell name made waves in professional football. Fabiola’s ties by marriage connect her to a lineage of NFL ownership stretching back to 1932.
| Family Member | Role | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Charles “Blue‑Shirt” Bidwill | Purchased Chicago Cardinals | 1932–1947 |
| Violet Bidwill | Franchise owner, relocated to St. Louis | 1947–1962 |
| Bill Bidwill | Sole owner of Cardinals | 1972–2019 |
| Michael Bidwill | Team president turned owner | 2007–present |
- Charles acquired the Cardinals for $50,000 in 1932, likely making the family the world’s first “gamble‑happy” NFL dynasty.
- Violet broke barriers in 1947, becoming one of the league’s earliest female owners.
- Bill stewarded the team for 47 years, guiding it through two city relocations and countless play‑off hopes.
- Michael took the reins in 2019, keeping the family’s $1.4 billion fortune—and football aspirations—in play.
Fabiola’s indirect role? Obtain family matriarch status and control game-day popcorn distribution.
Public Presence and Updates
Although Fabiola avoids spotlights, informal appearances surface through daughter Julie’s social media. The most recent glimpse came on April 29, 2025, when Julie posted a mother‑daughter date‑night snapshot.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 29, 2025 | “Mommy/Daughter date night” Instagram post |
| June 2023 | Attended Julie’s graduation ceremony |
| Ongoing | Surprise guest at family gatherings |
Despite zero press interviews, Fabiola’s influence bubbles up in every family milestone—proof that the best stories often come from behind the scenes.
FAQ
Who is Fabiola R. Bidwell?
A Colombian-born private citizen, Fabiola R. Bidwell is the mother of Fox News anchor Julie Banderas and the matriarch of the NFL Bidwell family.
When and where was she born?
She was born in December 1937 in Colombia and is 87 years old as of June 2025.
Where does she live?
She resides at 9 Walnut Lane, Avon, Connecticut, in a home she’s called her own for over 40 years.
Does she have a public career?
Her work life is secret, and her legacy is her family’s successes.
Who is her husband?
Her late husband, Howard Dexter Bidwell (1930–2010), was a U.S. Navy veteran, civil engineer, and founder of Consolidated Precast, Inc.
How is she connected to the NFL?
Through marriage into the Bidwill family, she’s linked to the Chicago/St. Louis/Arizona Cardinals ownership lineage dating back to 1932.
Has she appeared in the media recently?
Only indirectly—her daughter Julie shared a “Mommy/Daughter date night” photo on April 29, 2025, giving fans a rare peek.
