Joan Marie FitzGerald

In loving memory of Joan Marie FitzGerald.

December 28, 1930 – December 8, 2025

Joan Marie FitzGerald, 94, of Novi, Michigan, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family on December 8, 2025, at Angela Hospice.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Joan was the daughter of Joseph P. FitzGerald, Sr. and Helen Grace (Hogan) FitzGerald. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of many decades, George Robert "Bob" FitzGerald; her parents; her brothers Joseph FitzGerald, Jr. and William FitzGerald; and her sisters Helen (Chuba), Ann (Ziegler), and Rosemary (Lewellen).

A proud graduate of St. Mary of Redford High School in Detroit, Joan played the leading role in the high school musical during her senior year. Upon graduation, she enjoyed working at Detroit Edison in the collections department. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Bob, when they shared their first dance at a church social in Detroit. They married in 1951 and, blessedly, she carried the FitzGerald name from birth through her entire life.

Bob's Army service briefly took them to Kentucky, before they returned to Detroit to raise their family. Moves to Farmington, Jackson, Detroit, Oxon Hill (Maryland), and finally Novi made for some wonderful family memories. Through it all, Joan was a devoted and extraordinary mother to her six children, creating a warm and loving home life, always supportive of their school events, sports, and activities. Summers in the late 1960's meant unforgettable cross-country road trip vacations in the family station wagon, pulling a pop-up camper, creating lifelong memories for their young family.

Joan was very proud of working as a substitute elementary school teacher while living in Maryland. Later, she enjoyed managing at The Artworks and at Girard's picture frame gallery for 15 years where she worked at various times with her daughter, two sons, her sister Helen, and her niece.

In retirement, Joan and Bob traveled and especially enjoyed a trip to Ireland where they explored their heritage. They also volunteered at Holy Family as steadfast supporters of the parish "Clothes Closet" ministry for those in need. After Bob's passing 28 years ago, Joan remained remarkably active: she was a founding member of a women's investment club, participated in a weekly prayer group with her neighbors, and played in a summer golf league for senior women. She continued to volunteer at church, faithfully bringing Communion to homebound seniors, and serving at countless funeral luncheons. Her proudest volunteer work was at Providence Hospital in Novi where she enjoyed her work at the Gift Cart.

Joan delighted in her roles as grandmother and great-grandmother, attending games, recitals, milestone events, and birthday parties through the years. She will be forever remembered for her sharp wit, endless repertoire of jokes and one-liners, and the gentle wisdom she shared with humor and love. Joan's warmth, faith, and irrepressible sense of humor touched countless lives. She will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered.

Joan is survived by her sister Mary Boldt; her six children: Margaret (Chuck) Backus, Mary Jane (Brian) Scott, Robert (Kimberly), William (Holly), Daniel (Laura), and Joseph (Nancy); her grandchildren: Jeffrey (Julie) Backus, Melissa (Keith) Beale, Shawn (Abbie) FitzGerald, Robert Jr. (Jo) FitzGerald, Patrick (Brianna) FitzGerald, Michael (Klára) FitzGerald, Brianna (Jason) Masters, and Lauren Scott; and her great-grandchildren: Chloe (Nethaneel), Jack, Caden, Lyra, Oscar, Deaglan, Caiomhe, Xena, and Leo; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Ave, Novi 48375 on Friday, December 12th from 3:00pm until 8:00pm. In state at Catholic Church of the Holy Family, 24504 Meadowbrook Road in Novi on Saturday, December 13th at 11:00am with the funeral mass beginning at 11:30am. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed to allow all who wish to pay their respects Holy Family Novi

The family kindly welcomes flowers, or memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.