Claudia Evelyn Fitzgerald

Claudia Evelyn Fitzgerald, 91 years old, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus, on September 6, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and cherished family memories in her Oakton and Lake Frederick, Va and Coeur d’Alene, Id communities.

Claudia was born to Norman A. Lasch and Catherine Hilda Morgan on April 16, 1935, in Putnum Connecticut, both of whom preceded her in death. In 1953, Claudia was a graduate of Eastern Senior High School in Washington, D.C. where that summer, she met her future husband, Robert (Bob) A. Fitzgerald, Sr., on a blind date. Claudia married the love of her life the following year and their partnership and mutual devotion was a beautiful testament of love to all who knew them. Together, they shared 64 years of marriage before Bob’s passing in November 2018.

A woman of immense charm and creativity. Claudia will be remembered as a glamorous and elegant woman, with a childlike giggle. Always radiant in her beautiful clothes, wearing her signature pearls and pink lipstick, Claudia’s infectious smile could light up any room.

A natural performer, her extraordinary history began in the most unique way imaginable. As a young child at her grandpa Morgan’s alligator farm, she boldly rode on the backs of alligators, thrilling and terrifying spectators with her early flair for entertainment. That same vibrant energy led her to the stage as a childhood tap and jazz dancer, performing in many shows and recitals. While she eventually left the stage behind, she kept a beat in her heart for the rest of her long life, always counting Gene Kelly, Ginger Rogers, and Fred Astaire as her ultimate favorites.

Her artistic gifts extended to music as she delighted family and friends with her ability to play both the organ and accordion. Above all, Claudia loved a good laugh. She filled her home with joy and spent her life watching only classic comedies, finding endless amusement in the timeless humor of Jerry Lewis, Andy Griffith, Red Skelton and Tim Conway. She didn’t just watch comedy, she practiced it, and her loved ones could always count on being delightfully pranked by her every April Fool’s Day. Claudia lived a life that was completely her own, vibrant, musical and brave.

Professionally, Claudia found great fulfillment working as an Esthetician, helping others feel confident and cared for. Her generous spirit extended deep into her community as well, where she spent decades working and volunteering at Fair Oaks Hospital. Outside her career and volunteer work, Claudia was a passionate seamstress who spent countless hours sewing for her family members.

Claudia is survived by her children, Colonel Robert A Fitzgerald, Jr USMC (ret) (Cheryl A Fitzgerald) and Susan Scogno; her loving grandchildren, Kelly, Amy, Sean and Sara; and her adored great-grandchildren Alexis, Jimmy, Elsie, Landon and Charlotte, her sister Terri Lemon, and many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

Claudia will rest alongside her beloved husband Bob, at Quantico National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her honor to the American Cancer Society or Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Her family and friends wish to thank the incredible nurses, chaplain and staff of Hospice of North Idaho for the loving comfort and care they showed for Claudia during the closing chapter of her life.