Jeanne P. FitzGerald

Realtor, Artist, Golfer

 Jeanne Phinette (Haywood) FitzGerald, 90, a longtime former resident and businesswoman of Newtown, died October 17 at St Anne’s Nursing Home in Colombia, Penn. She was the wife of the late Brian T. FitzGerald.

Born in Dayton, Ky., on June 13, 1915, she was the daughter of James and Eupha (Ellis) Haywood of Cincinnati, Ohio. She spent much of her life in New York prior to moving to Newtown, where she lived on Toddy Hill Road and later on Old Hawleyville Road, before moving to Lititz, Penn., in 1992 to be close to her daughters.

In New York City she worked as secretary to vice presidents of Loesser, a department store, and of Shell Oil Company

Mrs FitzGerald was a principal in the Walter Maurer Real Estate Agency in Newtown and later was associated with McCulloch Real Estate and Merrill Lynch Realty. An astute businesswoman, she earned the highest professional certifications. She was also an active member of St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church.

A lively and accomplished woman, she could fly a plane solo before she learned to drive a car. She was an avid golfer who played the Heritage Village Golf course in Southbury frequently, an eager traveler and a talented artist who painted landscapes and family portraits.

Friends and family recall that Jeanne FitzGerald faced life squarely. She embraced the risks necessary to live life fully and was blessed with an extraordinary ability to inspire those around her to do the same. Her love of people and her infectious laugh made her a joy to be with.

Mrs FitzGerald was the mother of Gerald T. FitzGerald of South Dartmouth, Mass., Gail P. Warshaw of Saverna Park, Md., and of Moirajeanne FitzGerald of Lancaster, Penn. She is survived by her sister Eupha Bostard of Columbus, Ohio; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. A son, Brian T. “Chip” FitzGerald of Dixonville, Alberta, Canada, predeceased her, as did her brother, Dan Haywood, and her sister, Gale Haywood.

Following a funeral mass in Lititz, she was buried at St Joseph’s New Catholic Cemetery, Lancaster. Funeral arrangements were by Fred G. Goff Funeral Service, Lancaster.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Maryknoll Sisters, PO Box 311, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0311.

The Newtown Bee      November 11, 2005