Fiona Mairi Fitzgerald

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, September 24, 1937, she was the daughter of Angus and Annabella MacDougall. Fiona is survived by Don, her loving husband of 62 years, daughters, Morven and (Heather) Catriona, granddaughters Megan and Brianna and great-granddaughter Felicity, and her adored wee dog Bailey and cat, Mia. Fiona was predeceased by her parents, Angus and Annabella and stepdad Alexander (Alec) Cochrane.

Growing up in Glasgow, Fiona lost her Dad to pneumonia after the merchant ships he sailed on were torpedoed twice during World War II. She vividly recalled the air raid sirens and being in bomb shelters prior to her own house being destroyed. Much of her childhood was then spent in Oban.

After completing school, Fiona attended the Art College in Glasgow before beginning work at the Clydesdale Bank where she first met Donald.

Donald emigrated to Canada with the Bank of Commerce and returned to Scotland on vacation when he proposed to Fiona. Married in Glasgow in 1962, Don and Fiona began life together in Canada.

Following frequent transfers between Ontario and Nova Scotia, it was in 1976 in Cape Breton that Don and Fiona were proud to become Canadian citizens. Fiona was very active in the community and returned to her love of arts and began teaching crafts in Sydney at the Cape Breton School of Crafts. The final transfer led the family back to the Halifax area where Fiona stayed home to raise the family while Don travelled extensively for business.

In 1987, Fiona and Don opened Celtic Traditions as the gateway to enjoying 25 years of sharing the products, customs and stories of their much-missed homeland with many local and international friends and customers. Fiona helped begin the British Isles Club bringing expats together and forging many close friendships in addition to the many dear friends gained across the miles of transfers.

Family was her most important aspect, her children and grandchildren her pride and joy along with her many beloved pets through the years. A proud monarchist, she was delighted to receive a congratulatory letter from the Queen on her 60th anniversary with Don. As well as being an avid reader, Fiona was a Coronation Street fan, and loved the colors purple and green.

A Celebration of Life will be held following cremation, at Calvin Presbyterian Church, Halifax on November 18 at 2:00 p.m., Rev. Michael Koslowski officiating. Family flowers only please. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope for Wildlife or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the paramedics, nurses, and inpatient staff QE2 for their compassion, care and concern for all us.