Mary T. (Regan) Fitzgerald, 92, of Souderton was born to eternal life Monday, November 16, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family.
Born June 14, 1923 in Philadelphia she was the daughter of the late Michael J. Regan and Nora Healy Regan. The daughter of Irish immigrants, Mary loved her Irish heritage. Mary formally of Corpus Christi Parish in Philadelphia was a proud graduate of John Hallahan High School, class of 1942.
Mary’s whole life was lived for the love of God and devotion to her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a kind, caring, and cheerful person with a gentle spirit whose joy was infectious. Mary loved to sing and filled her home with beautiful songs from her heart.
Mary was a long time member of St. Stanislaus Parish in Lansdale and later she became a member of St. Maria Goretti Parish in Hatfield. Stewardship was such an important part of Mary’s life that she served as a Eucharist Minister, volunteer teacher of religious education Prep Program, member of the choir, the Legion of Mary, prayer and bible study groups.
Mary is survived by her eleven children, William T. Fitzgerald, Jr. (Sharon), Michael J. Fitzgerald (Catherine), Maureen A. McGowan (Dennis), Kathleen M. Doherty, (Kenneth) Rita M. Miller (Thomas), Patricia A. Mooney (James), Mary T. McCorry (Kevin), Eileen M. Nuss (Robert), Nora Fitzgerald, Anne Marie Fitzgerald Miller, and Colleen Higgins (Joseph); twenty-eight grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren; her sister Rita Regan Buchy, and sister-in-law Kathleen Fitzgerald Begley.
Mary was preceded in death by the love of her life, William T. Fitzgerald, Sr. her husband of 61 years; her sister, Anne Marie Sharkey; her brother, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Regan; and son-in-law, Kenneth R. Doherty.
The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Maria Goretti Church, Cowpath and Destine Rds., in Hatfield, PA on Friday Evening, November 20, 2015 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend a Funeral Mass at the Church on Saturday Morning, November 21, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Also, prior to the Mass, the family will greet friends before the Funeral Mass from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. in Church.
Interment will be in St. John Neumann Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be preferred in Mary T. Fitzgerald’s name to the Legion of Mary at St. Maria Goretti’s Parish, 2980 Cowpath Rd. Hatfield, PA 19440.
“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”
Abraham Lincoln
There was not a dry eye in the church yesterday as hundreds gathered for the funeral and mass for Mary Fitzgerald. As the choir sang one of Mary’s favorite Irish songs of prayer, I knew I could hear her voice … the voice of an angel touching the hearts and souls of all those who gathered to honor her legacy and her memory. I believe God let her voice be heard to let us know that she will always be there for her family and friends. It was, I believe, not a sad moment, but a celebration of a life lived with grace and courage. I am blessed to have known her and to now more than ever appreciate her humor and her love that will always live on in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Even from afar you inspire all of us.