Obituary of Mary “Patricia” Fitzgerald

Mary Patricia "Pat" (Downey) Fitzgerald
February 8, 1930 - October 5th, 2024
Kentville, Nova Scotia

Mary Patricia "Pat" (Downey) Fitzgerald passed away on October 5th, 2024 with her daughter by her side. Mom spent two weeks in the hospital during which her family ensured she was never alone.

Mom was predeceased by her parents, Bert and Annie (McQuarrie) Downey, her brother Alban and her sister Pauline in infancy. She was also predeceased by her former husband and close friend, Frank Fitzgerald, her son-in-law, Joe Melanson and granddaughter, Erin Melanson.

Mom is survived by her children Bert (Rhoda Frampton), Pauline Melanson, Sheila (George) Harnish, Stephen KC (Fonda Bushell), Ann (Bill Cunningham), Dennis and Irene Fitzgerald (Dewaine Innis). She is also survived by grandchildren, Lori Riley (Paul), Tom Melanson (Megan), Claudia Melanson (Brandon MacDonald), Colin Harnish (Ashley), Julianne Harnish, Gina Harnish (Adam Cooper), Sarah Fitzgerald (Matthew Grant), Emily Fitzgerald MD (Giles Ayers), Henry Fitzgerald (Tyeena Keats) and Genevieve Cunningham; great grandchildren, Gus and Mae Riley, Makai and Quinn Harnish; and former daughters-in-law, Paulette Fitzgerald and Vanda Nauss; sisters-in-law, Jean Fitzgerald Murphy and Patsy Fitzgerald Greene; and many members of the Downey, McQuarrie and Fitzgerald families and a multitude of friends.

Mom was born on February 8, 1930 in Corner Book, NL. She grew up there and spent wonderful childhood days in the Codroy Valley, NL. To the end, she liked to tell stories of her times in the Codroy Valley as well as growing up on the Westside of Corner Brook. Mom was a devout Catholic. Her Church was her rock in happy and sad times. Mom loved to sing and sang in school and church choirs from a young age. She sang in the choir of Holy Redeemer Cathedral in Corner Brook and St. Joseph's Church in Kentville. She rarely missed a practice or a session. Mom loved her entire interaction with her friends and fellow congregants especially doing various church readings. She was proud to be a Eucharistic Minister who provided Holy Communion to housebound or hospitalized persons. Mom was an active member of the Catholic Woman's League for over 50 years.  Mom loved live performances and was an avid supporter of the arts. She was very well known throughout downtown Kentville through her almost daily visits to the various shops especially Chisholm's where she fed her addiction to the literary world. She liked to meet her friends for drinks and meals at Rosie’s. There was always a special visit on St. Patrick's Day.

Mom loved to travel including when she was very young to Toronto or Montreal shopping for the latest fashions. Mom started her working career with Newfoundland Customs just after high school and then became an executive secretary at Bowater Pulp and Paper prior to her marriage. She then held various administrative positions while raising her family.

Mom was the solid rock that kept our family together for many years ensuring we had a love of reading and a solid education. She was extremely proud of her children's' and grandchildren’s' accomplishments.

Visitation will be held at the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, NS from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. On Wednesday, October 9, 2024. A funeral mass will be held in St. Joseph’s Church, Kentville, NS at 10:00 am on Friday, October 11, 2024 with a reception in the church hall. Interment will be held at a later date in Corner Brook, NL. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. For online condolences and inquiries, please visit: https://www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com/