Jane H. Fitzgerald

Born at Tampa General Hospital on January 1, 1937, Jane graduated from Hillsborough High School before attending Otterbein College, where she joined Tau Epsilon Mu and met her future husband, Patrick Fitzgerald. She graduated from Otterbein in 1958, the couple married in 1959 and moved to Gainesville, Florida, where Jane worked in the University of Florida biology lab researching leptospirosis using an electron microscope. After moving to Orlando, she taught biology and math at Colonial High School. Jane then returned to Tampa to support the family business, R.A. Harrell Distributors, as the CFO for 25 years. Starting in 1991, she spent over 20 years with the Florida Council of Independent Schools, helping to strengthen the presence reputation and quality of Florida’s independent schools. She was a devoted member of Temple Terrace Presbyterian Church, active in Bible study, and enjoyed contributing to the Temple Terrace Women’s Club. Her love of education and reading led her to volunteer at the Temple Terrace Library Book Nook. Jane treasured her weekly Bridge games with friends and was deeply engaged in her community. In addition, she enjoyed taking care of her plants, especially her beautiful African Violets. Jane will be remembered for her kindness, dedication, intelligence, passion for service and as a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her sister, Janet Kolar; daughters: Susan Carter (John), Katy Ricci (Dan); grandchildren: Patrick, Chayce, Hannah Rose, and Sadie Jane.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 at Temple Terrace Presbyterian Church, 1 pm. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jane Fitzgerald to Friends of the Temple Terrace Library 202 Bullard Pkwy, Temple Terrace, FL 33617.