Search by Name

Search by Name

JOAN FITZGERALD Obituary

JOAN DOROTHEA FITZGERALD

Joan Dorothea Fitzgerald died peacefully at home on Saturday, June 16, 2012, surrounded by her family. She succumbed to her longtime battles with rheumatoid arthritis, and Parkinson's disease.

Joan was born on Sept. 9, 1930 in Canoga Park, California, the daughter of Des and Mary Barton. An only child, the family lived in Southern California, where Joan attended Canoga Park High School and graduated in 1947.

Joan married her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Fitzgerald on November 6, 1948. She joined Ken in Chico, where he had moved in 1947. Joan attended Chico State College after moving to Chico.

Ken and Joan lived on White Avenue in Chico for 19 years. They had a son, Douglas Wayne, and daughter, Susan Rebecca. Joan kept busy raising a family and teaching private swimming lessons in and around Chico. She developed a love of golf and time spent at the family cabin at Lake Philbrook. Joan served for a time as a member of the Women's Northern California Golf Association Course Rating Committee. Joan was also very active in the Chico Women's Club.

In 1966, the family moved to Susanville, and Joan worked part time in the high school library, and continued many of her golf affiliated activities. A very competitive woman, Joan was the Women's Club Champion at various golf clubs. Joan followed Ken and his banking career to Auburn, San Francisco, South America, Miami, and then back to California.

In 1978, Joan and Ken moved to Rancho Murieta, just outside Sacramento. Joan first became a licensed Real Estate agent, and then later a licensed broker. Joan served on the Architectural Review board at Rancho Murieta for several years.

Joan and Ken left Rancho Murieta in 2000, and returned to Chico, which they always considered their home.

Joan is survived by her husband, Kenneth; son, Douglas; lady friend, Jessie Doornik; daughter, Susan Erb; son-in-law, David Erb; four grandchildren, Jamie Erb Holt, Ryan Erb, Michael Fitzgerald, and Timothy Fitzgerald. Joan also has two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Jaidyn Holt, and another great-grandchild on the way to Ryan and wife Jill.

No service is currently planned. Joan's arrangements are being handled by Neptune Society per her wishes. A family celebration of life will be held later this summer at the family cabin.

Thank you to the caregivers from Interim HealthCare, and the assistance given from the nurses and staff at Enloe Hospice.

Donations in memory of Joan can be made to Enloe Hospice, 1390 East Lassen Avenue, Chico, CA 95926.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chico Enterprise-Record on Jun. 21, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for JOAN FITZGERALD

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Janet Grell

June 26, 2012

Dearest family,
Joan was the most loving and giving friend. She allowed you to "be busy". Never making you feel bad if life got in the way of a visit. She was a forward thinker and didn't live in the past. I will miss our special times together and all the love and kindnesses we shared. God bless you all.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in JOAN FITZGERALD's name

Memorial Events
for JOAN FITZGERALD

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support JOAN's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor JOAN FITZGERALD's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more