In 1953, Frank Sinatra chose a 9-year old actress and model for an important role in a TV special.

This started a chain reaction for Shelley Fabares that led to parts in such TV shows as Playhouse 90, the Loretta Young show, and Annie Oakley. Her TV acting, in turn, won her featured parts in three movies.

Four years ago, Shelley, who is a niece of actress Nanette Fabray, was cast for the part of Donna Reed's TV daughter, Mary Stone.

Going into its fifth year this season, the Donna Reed Show has virtually become a second home to Shelley, and the Stones her adopted family.

Shelley has "grown up" with her TV parents--Donna and Carl Betz [Dr. Alex Stone], and her video brother Paul Petersen [Jeff].

Shelley [or Mary] was 14 when the series started, and Paul [Jeff] was 12. Now they are 18 and 16.

Shelley and Paul have helped their script family with numerous TV acting awards.

The show's star, Donna Reed, has won four Emmy nominations, and the show itself has had consistently high ratings.

Dr. Alex Stone, Donna's pediatrician husband in the series, also has won recognition from no less an organization than the American Medical Association.

Although Dr. Stone has been somewhat overshadowed by two other medicos named Kildare and Casey, his TV work earned an accolade from the A.M.A.

In a special citation dated Nov. 29, 1961, the association commended the program for its "contribution to public understanding of the high ideals of the medical profession."

Miss Reed has said this will be the show's last season because her TV children are growing up.

Besides, her own four children, Penny, 16; Tony Jr., 15; Tim, 13; and Mary, 5; demand a lot of her attention, not to mention the responsibilities of running a home and being the wife of TV producer Tony Owen. Being a two-family mother keeps chic and pretty Donna Reed as busy as she wants to be.