Anne Patricia Fitzgerald

Anne Patricia (née O’Rourke) Fitzgerald passed away on January 10, 2026, in Houston, Texas. From her name alone, one can tell that Anne came from proud Irish lineage. Anne was born in New York City in 1941 to Alice Cagney O’Rourke and William O’Rourke.

Anne’s life was a vivid example of hard work, practicality, deep love for her family, and her ability to make quick and lasting friendships. That combination of practicality and hard work began very early when she altered her birth certificate so that she could start work at the age of 14. She attended Catholic schools in New York City and graduated high school through a secretarial training program.

Practicality was on display again when, at age 15, she was asked out by a young man in the neighborhood. Seeing a spot on the front of her sweater but also seeing no need to make a big deal out of the invitation, she pulled her arms in, turned her sweater around to move the spot to the back, and went on that date. That date turned into a loving marriage of nearly 50 years with Peter Hopkins Fitzgerald. Four children: Patrick, Monica, Sarah, and Theresa were born in short order, all while Peter was in school.

Anne, Peter, and their young family crossed the country for Peter's education and work. First from the University of Maine to Stanford University, and then back to Maine with the newly minted Dr. Peter Fitzgerald. Peter’s work took them to the University of Kentucky, the University of Houston, then finally to Dallas with UT Southwestern.

Throughout that time Anne ran a busy and loving household while working—and becoming indispensable—at a variety of jobs including her favorite, St. John’s Hospital in Nassau Bay, Texas.

When grandchildren arrived, Anne put all her efforts into making their lives as happy and full of love as possible by making them part of her life. Anne took her grandchildren to New York City when they were about eight years old for a special trip to experience what a big city was like, how live theatre could enrich their lives, to meet their New York relatives, and understand a bit of what her early life was like.

Anne kept up her loving involvement with her grandchildren for the remainder of her life, opening homes in Maine and the Texas Hill Country for long and active visits. She loved reading, going to the movies, and watching Korean soap operas (much to the amusement of her neurologist). She fought valiantly against Parkinson’s disease and never complained nor took pity on herself.

Anne was predeceased by her husband Peter and their beloved son, Patrick.

She is survived by her daughters: Monica Fitzgerald, Sarah Zarcaro, and Theresa Harrigan; her grandchildren Michael Zarcaro, Emily Zarcaro, Patrick Oathout, Grace Oathout, Phoebe Oathout, Tom Harrigan, Claire Luttrull, and Stephen Harrigan; and her great-granddaughter, Charlotte Harrigan.

Anne will be interred in a private ceremony at Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster, Texas.

Anne’s family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the loving care provided to her by Laura Garcia and the staff at The Tradition Buffalo Speedway.