Elizabeth "Betty" Cecilia Fitzgerald

Betty was born September 17,1928 to Raymond and Enid ( Lund) McDonell in Kalispell, Montana. Betty went to Flathead County High School, graduated in 1946. She went on to college in Bozeman where she earned her bachelor’s degree and graduated in 1950. She was accepted into the Inter Colligate Nursing Program in Spokane Washington where she achieved her certificate as a Medical Technologist. Betty worked in her field for 35 years. During her studies in Spokane she met James W. Fitzgerald, and they were married June 21, 1952. Shortly after they purchased a home in the Spokane Valley where they raised seven children, and where she resided for 63 years. Betty enjoyed traveling, sitting on the front porch of the cabin on Flathead Lake, gardening, baking, hosting holiday parties and family reunions. She volunteered for various charities and was active in her church. Betty loved her family most of all and spending time with them wherever and whenever she could.

Betty is survived by her sister Patricia Cassidy of Polson, MT. Three sons Bill Fitzgerald from Cle Elum, WA, John Fitzgerald of Post Falls, ID and Michael Fitzgerald of Anza, CA. Three daughters Mary Susan Pick of St. John, WA, Molly Lovlyn of Rathdrum, ID and Ellen Fitzgerald of Kalispell, MT. Numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Enid McDonell, two bothers John McDonell and Bill McDonell, her husband James W Fitzgerald and her eldest daughter Norine Fitzgerald.

Service will be held on May 14th at St John Vianney Catholic Church in the Spokane Valley. Recitation of the rosary will begin at 9:30 am followed by the celebration of the funeral mass at 10:00 with Fr. Joseph Bell presiding. Interment at St Joseph Cemetery in Trent, WA will be at 11:30. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Legends, Hospice of North Idaho and Comfort Keepers. Thank you for your attentiveness during mom’s final days with us.