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Elizabeth FITZPATRICK Obituary

FITZPATRICK, Elizabeth P. "She lived, she loved, she laughed, she cried; but most of all, she danced 'til she died." Liz, 83, of Pinellas Park, passed away Jan. 17, 2014. She served in the Women's Army Corps, earned a bachelor's degree from SUNY Brockport in 1977, and retired as a Monroe County social worker. Liz moved to Florida in 1996 and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pinellas Park. She loved to dance and brought great joy to all who saw her perform. Liz is survived by 3 sons, Gerard "Chip" Lenhard (former wife Helen), Glenn (Gail) Lenhard, and Gil (Rebecca) Lenhard; a daughter, Lizette Lenhard (Gary Jones); sisters, Kathryn Rotolo and Nellie Fitzpatrick; 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. There will be a Celebration of Life Wednesday, Jan. 22nd, 8 pm at Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd S. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, Jan. 24th, 11 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 8001 46th St., Pinellas Park. A service will also be held at a later date in Rochester, NY. Condolences at gardensanctuaryfunerals.com.

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Published by Tampa Bay Times on Jan. 19, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth FITZPATRICK

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March 2010, 80 years young!

February 4, 2014

Mom and Gil at her 80th bday, 2010

February 4, 2014

Eveline Wasylina

February 3, 2014

I will always remember Liz for her love and enthusiasm for dance. My heartfelt condolences to her family.

Nellie Fitzpatrick

February 3, 2014

I could not say enough about the memories I have of my sister.She was so good to me,I could not ask for more except more time with her.Betty you are special. I LOVE YOU. You will always live in my heart. Sister to Sister, Love Nellie

Robert Ruckle

February 2, 2014

Aunt Betty always proved that love is an important part of life and if we keep dancing, even if it's to our own tune, we'll keep smiling. Keep dancing Aunt Betty.

George Finley

February 2, 2014

God Bless you Betty , Sorry I missed you the last time you were in town . You are missed by many , but we understand it was your time to go ,Love George Finley and Family

February 2, 2014

My deepest condolences to my cousins and their families on your loss. I have a lifetime of memories with Aunt Betty, but what I remember most is her laughter, her love of dance, the twinkle in her eye, and that strong and independent spirit. She was one of a kind and will be sadly missed.
-with love, Kim

Vicki Costigan

February 2, 2014

Aunt Betty was an inspiration to many.She showed us that no matter how old you are..you can still kick it with the young ones.She was a sweet lady with a heart of gold.You will be missed Aunt Betty.Rest in peace.

rebecca ruckle

January 31, 2014

I loved my aunt betty with all my heart and I am sending my love to all..Rest In Peace Aunt Betty. Rebecca Ruckle/Stewart

Lizette

January 30, 2014

There will be another Memorial Service for Mom in Rochester on Feb 10, 6 pm, Greece Assembly of God, Long Pond Road.

Mom and Glenn at Coliseum New Years Eve

Lizette

January 30, 2014

Jim Cotter

January 28, 2014

First of all, Nanci and I send our deepest sympathy on the passing of our friend of so many (20+ years), "Liz." And we recall all the great nights with the TomKatz at the Bilmar, Delilah's, and the past 4-1/2 years since Nanci and I brought the band to the Blue Parrot! Oh, what memories for Liz, my late wife Elsie and Nanci, and I have had since 2002 when we met at the Bilmar and have been together for 12 years.

Liz expressed ALL the intimacy of a parent, "big-Band" fan, and an obvious pride in Glenn's musical talent and your great life together.

May the pride and musical appreciation live on forever as we thank God for our pleasure of her company.

Kip& Kathleen Cline

January 27, 2014

Elizabeth loved to come see Glenn perform with Late Night Brass, she was a strong supporter of Glenn's music. We hope she is dancing in heaven with Jesus and all the family that has gone before her. Thank you for your love for Jesus, music and dance.
God bless
Kip& Kathleen Cline

Lisa Haley

January 25, 2014

We pray Liz is with Jesus, and that we'll see her in heaven!

Liz was a great friend and fan forever – and a true “live wire”!!

We met when she was on the board of a festival in Dec 2000.

She would always “make my day” by showing up and dancing to our music everywhere -
- from Redondo Beach Pier to Ft Lauderdale Cajun Festival!

We are praying for your family.

Love, Lisa Haley & the Zydekats family

Sandra Lopez

January 24, 2014

I was fortunate to sit with Liz occasionally at Floor Dance events. One time she was so moved by the music she got up and danced right in front of me and the other ladies sitting at the table. All I could do was smile at how much she loved to dance and the joy in her face brought joy to the rest of us ladies. Wow! Could she move! She will be missed greatly. All my thoughts and prayers go out to the family. May you remember all of her fine qualities.

January 24, 2014

From 1998 at the Sugar Palm to the Blue Parrott on her 80th, we danced many times and again seeing her New Years Eve. RIP in Liz.

January 24, 2014

We met in 1998 at the Sugar Palm and danced with her at the Blue Parrott on her 80th and many times in between.This lovely lady was enjoying New Years Eve. RIP Liz.





blue Parrott, and met New Years Eve.

January 24, 2014

My condolences go out to Liz's entire family. I've enjoyed reading your messages of love to your dear Mom, and reading the many things about her that I did not know, and only wish I had gotten to know her better. She certainly was an inspiration to all of us in the Pinellas County dance community. May her joy of life and dancing continue to inspire all of those who knew and loved her so much.

angel anzalone

January 23, 2014

Liz was a good friend we went dancing together and had good times she will be missed

BJ Brandt

January 23, 2014

We will miss Elizabeth at the Sr Center in Pinellas Park, that is the last time I saw her in the fitness center.

January 23, 2014

LIZ IS NOW DANCING ON THE STREETS OF GOLD!!

Michelle Langlois

January 23, 2014

So Sorry to hear about your Mom, she had such an amazing life! Wish I'd had a chance to see you all in recent years. Sending the Family Loving and healing thoughts.
Michelle (Mistria) Langlois

Gary Cook

January 22, 2014

Liz was a joy to dance with & an inspiration to me. I pray if I make it anywhere close to her age I can still dance to the end! My thoughts & prayers to her family & may she rest in peace.

Laurie Clement

January 22, 2014

Liz was a wonderful person and as a dancer an inspiration to me. We will miss her very much and yet feel her spirit will remain with us in every dance we dance.

January 22, 2014

Admired her shining spirit and energy at the Gulfport dances. No doubt she continues to shine like a gem in the lives of her family and close friends. Thank you Liz for showing the rest of how to live your joy!

Sandy Shuler

January 22, 2014

I will miss Liz so very much. We had some very great conversations and I enjoyed stitting and visiting with her at the Bayou. It was great to watch her dance and see her joy. You will be missed greatly!!! Love Sandy Mellan

Norm Nash

January 22, 2014

Dancing with Liz was an absolute joy! She was a ray of sunshine and may she rest in eternal peace.

Rosemary Woolfe

January 22, 2014

My condolences to your family. You were an inspiration for the joy of living on the dance floor and it was never too late for you to learn something new. We will miss you at our West Coast Swing dances!

Joseph C.

January 21, 2014

Sad to learn about Elizabeth. Didn't know you well, but danced with you on occasion. I could sense you were a special person. Thank you for those nice monents, Elizabeth.

Tom Rotolo

January 21, 2014

Chip ,Glen , Lizette , Gil , I am so sorry for your loss. When I think of your Mom my sadness is quickly replaced by a smile as I remember the times spent with her each time she visited me. We always seemed to be heading off on an adventure. Whether we were visiting family or heading off to see a band play or just talking , she was always laughing and full of life. I was blessed to have her in my life. Thank you Aunt Betty for all the happiness you brought me and my family. Tommy , Maria , Shannon , Shawn.

Bette Jones

January 21, 2014

My sincerest loving regards to the family and friends of Liz I always enjoyed dancing with her. Last time I saw her we danced it was new years eve what a great wonderful spirit of a lady and she will certainly be missed here but now living happily in her new home and we know for sure she will forever dance in love and light.God bless.

January 21, 2014

Liz, We were happy we spent time with you in December, we will always love and remember your kindness and generosity.

Greg Taillon and Family

January 21, 2014

ALL OUR PRAYERS AND LOVE GOES OUT TO ALL THE FAMILY, SHE WAS A VERY SPECIAL LADY, ALL OUR LOVE


THE USRY'S SANDERSVILLE,GA.

Lizette

January 21, 2014

Just want you all to know that my mom wrote that verse years ago and wanted it used when she passed: “She lived, she loved, she laughed, she cried; but most of all, she danced ‘til she died.”

January 21, 2014

LIZETTE ,

SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR MOM. WE WILL BE THINKING OF YOU AND WILL BE KEEPING YOU IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. JOE AND CONNIE

John Lenhard

January 21, 2014

To all her friends and family my deepest condolences, especially to my cousins Lizette, Gil, Chip and Glen. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
John

January 20, 2014

Thank you for leaving a special memory in our lives, Liz. Your energy and passion for life...especially dancing encourages us to embrace life! You were a special friend to my MOM, Toni Snell, and we shall miss your presence during our visits to Florida. Forever in our hearts.

I shall remember you whenever there is a thunder storm...it will be a sign that you are dancing up a storm somewhere else.

Sending out thoughts of comfort to all Liz`s friends and family.

Laurie, Jer (Jackson) and Wayne

Pam Horgen

January 20, 2014

Liz,
You shining spirit, sharp wit and dancing feet will be missed, my sister.

Pam Horgen

January 20, 2014

Liz,
Your sharp wit, your shining spirit and your dancing feet will be missed, my sister.

Andy Burr

January 20, 2014

Good-bye, Liz -- I love you!

Gail Lenhard

January 20, 2014

My mother-in-law was a very special lady. I first met her in 1972 when I started dating her son, Glenn, and we've been friends ever since. Yes, there were times when we didn't see eye-to-eye, but she was always there for me and my family. It was very tough seeing her lying in a hospital bed unresponsive. That's not the way she lived her life.

One of my fondest memory of her was on her birthday, March 21, 1977 when I handed her Paula Elizabeth Lenhard, her first granddaughter born the day before. The look of love was shown all over her face. She had the same look when my Jennifer was born 14 months later.

She loved to dance and was very excited when Paula and Jennifer started lessons. When the girls were little, she would visit us and the three of them would dance around the house. I sure wish I had taken pictures!

When she moved to Florida, I was happy because my girls would be able to get to know their grandmother. She was here for their graduations, and was very proud to become a great-grandmother to Laci, Lili (Jennifer's girls), and William (Paula's son).

Her faith kept her strong and she attended both Laci and Lili's First Communion. She enjoyed her social and church life to the fullest and her light will shine down on all of us.

I miss you, Mom, but know that you are in a much better place. Thank you for being you.

Frank and Tammy Cannon

January 19, 2014

Dear family,
We are so sorry to hear of sweet Liz's passing. She brought so much love and personality to her dancing. She was one of the original Seminole Mall dancers. We knew she loved each step she took on that dance floor. Thank you for sharing your personal journey of her last days with those of us who love her. We will miss her and her happy feet.
God's blessings to you,
Frank Cannon Entertainment

Renee Lipman

January 19, 2014

I was so sorry to hear of Liz's passing. She was a bright light among the dancers. I was so fond of her, and was very happy that she came to our classes. We will miss her smile from the sidelines, and watching her enjoy herself on the dance floor.

Lizette Lenhard

January 19, 2014

My mom was in the hospital on life support since Monday, January 13, due to a respiratory complication at her home which caused her heart to stop beating at 1:32 am. She was able to call 911 before she died. They did resuscitate her and brought her to the hospital, but she was unconscious and unresponsive. It was a difficult week of waiting and hoping for a miraculous outcome, but it was not to be. After she was removed from artificial life support around 7:30 pm Thursday night and continued to be stable for several hours, Gary and I went to her home to get some rest, while my brother Gil and niece Laura stayed vigil with Mom.

Friday morning, January 17, I woke up around 8:30 am. As I laid in bed thinking, I silently repeated a prayer three times asking God to please embrace his daughter Elizabeth Patricia Fitzpatrick and bring her home to be with Him. I knew she did not want to live if she could not dance, and did not want to be kept alive with assistance or in a vegetative state. About 5 minutes later, I texted Laura to see how Mom was doing. Laura immediately replied that she had just passed, at 8:50. I knew God heard my prayers and answered them; Praise, praise, praise the Almighty Lord. He has protected my mom for 83 years, and now she will forever be in His Grace.

Mom loved the Lord and was not afraid of death. She lived her life to the fullest each and every day, and brought great joy to many. Her love of God, life and dance led many people to discover the joys of dance, including her daughters-in-law Helen and Gail, and grandchildren Jakki, Michelle, Sarah, Laura, Paula, Jennifer, Patience, Alexis and Allison. Dance also brought her many beloved friends including Mary H, Sheila, Ginger, Toni, Dianne B, Dianne S, Sandy, Pat, Sam, Greg and Kathy, just to mention a few. Her love of the Lord also brought her many wonderful friends over the years, most recently from her CHRP group at Sacred Heart.

Many times when I was with her and she was dancing, people would approach her and say, “I want to learn to dance just like you!” What they did not know is that she has been dancing for over 50 years, taking lessons all over the country, in all styles of dance. She learned Cajun, Contra, Zydeco, Swing, Ballroom, Tap and more, and she was probably best known for her Clogging. Her personal cards state, “Have Shoes, Will Dance.” Most nights she was dancing somewhere in Pinellas County, right up to the week she died from respiratory complications. She had been having issues with this for several months, but continued dancing anyway, at times having to be assisted off the dance floor to catch her breath. But this did not dissuade her because her greatest desire was to dance until she died, and this she did achieve. There were not many goals my mother set that she did not reach.

Her legacy will live on, for it is strong, one of love and joy, one that is still bringing people together even after her death. It brings me happiness, and sorrow, to know she will always be remembered, loved and missed by so many. Thank you for all your prayers and expression of love for my mother. May God rest her soul, but just long enough for her to catch her breath between each dance in heaven!

I love you, Mom.

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