Janesville, WI - Gail Ann Fitzgerald, beloved daughter of Donald and Dolores (Coffey) Pearson, passed peacefully on September 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Raised in Winnetka, Illinois, Gail graduated from New Trier High School, where she was an active member of the fencing and trampoline teams. In her youth, she was also an accomplished figure skater. She continued her education at Regis University in Denver, Colorado, earning a double major in English and Art History. It was there that she met Brian Fitzgerald, who became her devoted husband of 25 years. Gail was a loving and dedicated mother to their two children and a doting grandmother to four grandchildren, who affectionately nicknamed her "Boobow." She cherished her time with "my babies," always ready to babysit or engage in play, often organizing Legos and toys with her signature care. Gail was especially adored for the sleepovers she hosted, sometimes with all four grandkids, where bedtime didn't exist and treats were unlimited.
In her free time, Gail pursued her passions for reading a wide array of books, making gorgeous beaded jewelry for herself and loved ones, and crafting stunning stained glass art. Her creativity extended to decorating, landscaping, and gardening, transforming her home and others' with her exceptional talent. Known for more than just a green thumb, Gail was a skilled and dedicated florist at Floral Expressions for decades. In recent years, she served as a proficient lead gardener for a private employer.
Gail's kind and helpful nature, paired with her positive attitude and infectious laugh, drew many into her circle. She loved socializing with friends, enjoying local bands, dancing, or hosting intimate gatherings at home. Known for her warmth, she could strike up a conversation with anyone, friend or stranger, leaving a lasting impression.
Gail will be sorely missed by family, friends, coworkers, and anyone her love and light touched.
Gail is survived by her mother, Dolores (Coffey) Pearson; siblings Jay (Carmel) Pearson, Brad Pearson, Jan Pearson, Kris Pearson, and Camille Pearson; her children, Brian Nicholas (Kate) Fitzgerald, Jr. and Shannon Fitzgerald; and her grandchildren, Annabelle and Morgan Fitzgerald and Sean and Henry Palmer.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at ST JOHN VIANNEY CATHOLIC CHURCH, with a visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL DIRECTORS is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit:
www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.comPublished by The Gazette from Sep. 29 to Sep. 30, 2025.