Mary Constance Fitzpatrick

Born on October 17, 1941, in Manhattan, New York, Mary Connie was the cherished daughter of Dr. George Washington Irving, Jr., and his wife, Frances. As a young woman, Mary Connie attended the University of Maryland, where she pursued her passion for teaching and went on to inspire young minds as an elementary school teacher for several years. In June 1966, she married the love of her life, James E. Fitzpatrick.

In 1983, Mary Connie and her family moved to Cape Coral, Florida, where she brought her warmth, energy, and natural leadership to the tourism industry. She served as Assistant Manager of the historic Thomas Edison Winter Estate and Botanical Garden and later managed the Harborside Convention Center in Fort Myers, where she took great pride in her work and the people she met along the way.

She had a gift for music that touched the hearts of many. As a devoted member of the Spirit of the Gulf Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, she lent her amazing voice to the beauty of a cappella singing, blending seamlessly with others to create harmonies that lifted spirits and brought people together. She participated in numerous performances and competitions both nationally and internationally, and treasured the deep friendships she formed through her musical community.

She was known by many names, each one reflecting the special bond she shared with those who loved her. To her immediate family, she was Mary Connie; to her friends and colleagues, Mary; and to her extended family, Connie. But the name dearest to her heart was Mimi, the one her beloved grandchildren called her. No matter what name she went by, she was always the same warm, loving, and joyful presence.

She was preceded in death by her husband James Fitzpatrick. Survivors include her daughters, Shannon Liem and Kelly Kimsey (Richard) of Tallahassee, FL, three Grandchildren, Sarah Kathleen Liem, Charles James Liem, and Wyatt Brady Kimsey, and one brother George Washington Irving, III of San Antonio, TX.

A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, October 24, 2025 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church 4665 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, 32309 beginning at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary Connie Fitzpatrick can be made in support of Spirit of the Gulf Chorus at https://my.cheddarup.com/c/donate-today-spirit/items