Mitsu Fitzgerald

Mitsu Fitzgerald, 96, recently of Jefferson, MD. Born in Tokyo, she met her husband, Joe, in 1948 while he was serving in the U.S. Army occupational forces in Japan following World War II. After their wedding in 1950 and the birth of their oldest son, Joe Jr., she left for the United States. She accompanied her husband on his many moves in the U.S. Air Force, including Florida, New Mexico, Delaware, Japan (Tachikawa), and twice in New Jersey, finally settling in Lakehurst in 1963. She worked as a waitress at the Lakehurst Motel Coffee Shop for many years in the 1960s and 1970s, was a member of VFW #10061, Lakehurst, and attended St. Johns Parish, in Lakehurst. Mitsu was very active in traditional Japanese dancing and was a member of several local dance troupes and enjoyed meeting up with other dancers of Japanese heritage. She achieved a "Bando" dance certification, a high level of achievement bestowed on the most accomplished Japanese dancers. Her independence, strength, and sense of humor were unique and inspiring for all that knew her. She overcame incredible hardships and challenges during the war and afterwards, having left her Japanese family to move to a previously hostile country, and made a loving and nurturing home for three generations of family for almost 75 years. Mitsu was known for her kindness to all, devotion to her husband Joseph E Fitzgerald (1990) and family, and love of all cats and flowers. Surviving are her children, Joseph E Fitzgerald Jr and wife Debra; and William Fitzgerald and wife Gloria; and (maybe) brother, Kenchon. She found renewed happiness as "Nana Mitsu" with her grandchildren: Kristy, Mike, Tom and Illy; and great grandchildren: Finn, Olive and Miles. She had a lifelong friendship with her work and dance partners, Kaye and Sue. She appreciated the loving care she received at Somerford Assisted Living in Frederick, Maryland, where she resided for her last two years. Particularly Laura, who styled her hair and became her good friend. Funeral Arrangements are private.