Kate Fitzpatrick

Catherine Ann Fitzpatrick, (maiden name McGurk), passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the age of 80. Catherine was named after her dad's mother Catherine, but went by the name Kate. Kate was born in Pittsfield, MA and resided in Wyckoff, NJ for over 50 years. Kate graduated from Caldwell College and got her masters in French at NYU. She was able to go to her 80 th birthday celebration at Caldwell College last year with her dear friends. Her first job was a French teacher at Eric Smith School in Ramsey, NJ. She then went on to become an art teacher and a special education teacher in Elmwood Park. Many of her students have fond memories of Kate and her bubbly, happy disposition, and smile.
Music was such a big part of Kate's life, and she loved singing in the choir at St. Elizabeth's Church in Wyckoff, NJ. She had a beautiful voice as a second soprano. She was also a dedicated parishioner and served as Eucharistic Minister and Lector. Kate had a strong religious spirituality and was a loving servant of the Lord.
In addition to music, Kate loved art, going to the beach, traveling to Europe with Tom, visiting her children in Paris, California and New Hampshire, spending time with her sister Shelia, and stopping to smell the roses and admire beautiful flowers. Her favorite memories were when the family could all be together, on vacation at the Jersey Shore, Cape Cod, and Lake Winnipesauke.
Kate cared deeply for those in need. She was a part of Valley Hospital Auxiliary whose goal was to raise money for a new pediatric emergency room. She will be remembered for her big heart, thoughtful acts of kindness, and generosity.
Family was Kate's joy and was a devoted wife to Tom, who she was married to for 57 years. They met at a school dance when Kate was attending Caldwell College and Tom was at St. Peter's in Jersey City. Her love was always felt by her three children, Sean, Kerry and Meghan, as well as by her sister Sheila and her daughter Jennifer, and brother Bill and his wife, Mary and their children Maura, Amy, Jamie, Brendon and Erin. She was also such a loving grandmother to her 5 grandchildren Jack, Anna, Harrison, Ryan and Aidan and was so proud of all of their accomplishments. Kate is preceded in death by her brother, Jimmy, and her parents James McGurk, Sr. and Elizabeth (Bickford) McGurk.
Kate was one in a million and her death is tremendous loss. She was one of the most energetic, caring, giving, kind, and positive people and touched many lives. She will be deeply missed and remembered by all her friends and family that have were a part of her life.
An Irish Blessing "May the road rise to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rains fall soft upon your fields and, until we meet
again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand."
In lieu of flowers, donations in Kate's memorial may be made to either: Oasis, 59 Mill Street, Paterson, NJ 07501 or the St. Elizabeth Parish Charitable Fund, 700 Wyckoff Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481 (If mailing a check to St. Elizabeth, please indicate the Parish Charitable Fund in the Memo section of the check).
If you are not be able to attend the Funeral Mass, please use this live stream link. The mass will start at 12pm. https://saintelizabeths.org/live-streaming