A good woman has left this world with memories of her to
cherish. Geraldine (Gerry) Fitzgerald, 94, passed away
peacefully on October 27, 2016 after a rich and full life filled
with family and friends. She leaves behind her precious
children: Carole and Tom Godbout; Bill and Carol Fitzgerald;
John and Paula Fitzgerald; Patrick and Diane Fitzgerald; Ann
and Christopher Steinmuller; Timothy Fitzgerald and Anne
Eubank; and Martha Fitzgerald and Ron Lemieux; and
"daughter" Joanne Mellin. Gerry was blessed to have 18
grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren who adored her.
Gerry was born to Frederick and Ethel Bean in Boynton,
Quebec, Canada on October 22, 1922. At age 7, she moved to
St. Johnsbury, Vermont where she grew up with her six
siblings, Joyce Knight, Edsel Bean, Elaine Bissell, Erlene Lyons,
Luella Garand, and Alvin Bean. She married William Fitzgerald,
Sr. on February 7, 1946. Gerry and Bill owned Fitzgerald's
Dairy, and she was the bookkeeper and stay-at-home mother
for 17 years. Gerry was very proud of her many
accomplishments in life. She graduated from St. Johnsbury
Academy in 1940 and The Mary Fletcher School of Nursing in 1944.
Gerry was a brilliant woman who fostered the love of
learning with her children and those around her. If anyone ever
needed advice on how to care for people, she had the answers
and was quick to share them! When Gerry resumed her nursing
career, she turned to the care of babies. She worked at the
Medical Center Hospital of Vermont (now UVM Medical Center)
on the OB/GYN floor in the Newborn Nursery where she
welcomed countless babies into this world, including her
grandchildren. She lovingly gave them their first baths! Gerry
was an easy to recognize classy lady who was overflowing with
integrity. She dressed impeccably, in the latest fashions and
was always "put together." Through Home Share of Vermont,
Gerry shared her home with special women from around the
world who characterize her as the most compassionate and
caring person on earth. Her most notable volunteer activities
included leading an Alzheimer's Support Group, taking blood
pressure for senior housing residents in Winooski, and caring
for the grandkids at a moment's notice. The family would like to
thank the "angels" - Dr. Mark Pitcher, the Mansfield Place staff,
and the VNA/Hospice Division staff for their wonderful care of
our Mother. Donations to the Visiting Nurse Association,
Hospice Division, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, VT 05446 in
Gerry's memory would be most welcome. Visitation will be from
3:30 to 6:30 PM on Thursday November 3 at LaVigne Funeral
Home and Cremation Service, 132 Main St, Winooski, VT. A
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Friday November 4, 2016
at St Stephen's Catholic Church Winooski, with
interment to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery Colchester.
|
|
|
