Arlene Fitzsimmons peacefully departed this earth surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, November 27th. For the past three and a half years she has resided at the Prairie Elder private home care facility; a small, Overland Park group home for people living with dementia.
Arlene was born in Illinois to parents Eva Marie and Chauncey Avery (CAL) Leonard on October 6th, 1932. Shortly after graduating from Central High School in Kansas City, she married the boy next door and love of her life, Harold "Fitz" Fitzsimmons. Together the couple raised eight children and enjoyed a long and happy life celebrating 61 years of marriage until Harold's death in March, 2012. Prior to marrying Harold, Arlene converted to Catholicism and was a devout practicing Catholic for her adult life, raising her family in the tradition of the Catholic church.
After raising her family, Arlene returned to the work force and enjoyed a 22-year-career at Baptist Medical Center where she worked in administration until retirement. She was known for impeccable social grace and for her generous volunteer efforts with Meals on Wheels and the Baptist Medical Center Auxiliary where she served as President. Arlene was an active member of Christ the King Church in Kansas City and served as communion minister there.
Her family will miss memorable holiday celebrations where she generously welcomed more than 60 close relatives to her home which was always filled with traditional holiday decor, home-made seasonal meals and lots of laughter and love.
Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Myrna Moss and son, Dennis Fitzsimmons. She is survived by three sisters, Dorothy (Alex) Nigro of Bella Vista, Ark., Linda (Robert) Jenkins and Cindy (Ken) Lewis of Kansas City.
Left to honor Arlene and remember her love are seven adoring children: Michael Fitzsimmons, Patricia VanFleet, Kathy Boos (Bill Rafael), Teresa Cook, Timothy Fitzsimmons, Joan (Travis) Siebert, James (Laura) Fitzsimmons, 27 Grandchildren, 29 Great-Grandchildren, two Great-Great Grandchildren and 18 nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to her caregivers, especially her private duty nurse, Karen Clark who diligently cared for her for more than six years as well as the attentive staff of Prairie Elder Care where she received gentle loving care during her final years aided by the soothing touch of Ascend Hospice who provided comfort during her final days.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 30, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McGilley State Linel Chapel, 12301 State Line Rd., Kansas City, Missouri. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 1st at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Church at 8510 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Missouri.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
