Kerry Ann Fitzpatrick

Kerry Ann Fitzpatrick died at home in Burlingame, California, with her beloved family on June 13, 2023. She was 56. Kerry was born on her mother's birthday and grew up on Long Island, in West Islip, New York, for most of her childhood, a short walk from the waters of the Great South Bay and close to extended family. She graduated from Boston College School of Nursing with a BSN in 1988. After college, she moved to Chicagoland, began her nursing career at Evanston Hospital, and in the early '90s met her husband, a San Francisco Peninsula native, when he was a business school student.

Kerry spent a year back in New York City, living and working with her sister at Memorial Sloan Kettering, before she moved to San Francisco and started with Stanford Hospital's inpatient hematology oncology unit in 1993. She loved her work, and her unflagging energy and optimistic heart brightened tough moments for patients and colleagues through her last shift in 2021.

Married in 1995 at St. Patrick's in Bay Shore, New York, Kerry and Charlie moved their young family from SF to Burlingame in 2004, closer to work, but not too far from fun in the city or a plane to anywhere. As a community member, with her boundless pep and friendliness, she contributed as a volunteer, neighborhood nurse, and trusted counselor, always able to redirect attention to the positive, a welcome sparkle at any gathering.

Among her friends and family, Kerry's rallying adventuresomeness, her infectiously fun spirit, her unflappable capacity to mother anyone, her willingness to give of herself, her twinkling smile – all are missed. She donated blood regularly and was acutely aware of the value of platelets. She volunteered with local shelters serving families and taught her kids to, too. She raised her hand to bring a lasagna, or two, whenever she had the chance. She drew great energy from being outdoors, near water and natural beauty.

Kerry loved being on the move, long, fast walks in the neighborhood or seeing new places in the world, especially with her family. She instilled her best qualities and greatest hopes in her children. Her husband tried to learn as much from her as he could and remains befuddled as to how he was so lucky to find her and so unlucky to lose her so soon.

In late 2021, she was diagnosed with glioblastoma. A month after her first brain surgery, Kerry was toasting her good fortune with her family on a rooftop overseas. With the incredible support of loved ones, over the next year and a half, she visited with family and friends in the neighborhood and across the country. She showed by example how to live and leave life gracefully.

An event in her memory was held at the Kohl Mansion in Burlingame on May 31, 2024. Kerry would have loved to know that her memory inspired you to give to others in some way. Donate platelets (you may be eligible every two weeks), volunteer your time, make a lasagna for someone who needs one. Consider a donation in Kerry's name to the Eliza Grover Memorial Fund, which honors a young woman she held dear with support to scholarship and outdoor recreation.

Kerry is survived by her husband, Jon Charles "Charlie" Cosovich, her daughter, Caroline, and her son, Grant, as well as her parents, Barbara and Michael Fitzpatrick of Sayville, her siblings, Brian, Cristy (John), and Kevin (Danielle), and too many beloved relatives and friends. Memories and other correspondence are welcomed and may be sent to memorieswithkerry at gmail.