Barbara Howard Fitzpatrick

Barbara Fitzpatrick (Mrs. Fitz or Fitzy Grandma) was 94 years old when she passed peacefully at her home in Phoenix on January 30th, 2022. She enjoyed a long life lived generously for others. She is survived by her five children; Sean Fitzpatrick, Ann Arthur, Eileen Durazo, Maura Mulligan and Gerry Fitzpatrick, fourteen Grandchildren and thirteen Great Grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, Michael P. Fitzpatrick. Barbara was born and raised in Ashton-Under-Lyne, Manchester, UK . She met and married US Air Force Sgt. Michael P. Fitzpatrick in England during WWII and then moved to his home in New York 1947 where she became a proud US citizen. The Fitzpatricks moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1957. Barbara began teaching at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School in 1960 and after 24 years she retired in 1984. She volunteered at the school for many years afterwards. Besides being a very loved and admired teacher, she was a Cub Scout leader, a Girl Scout leader, a drama club coach, and a member of Sigma Phi social service sorority. An academic scholarship was established in her name at St Vincent de Paul school in 1995.

Barbara loved family gatherings, traveling, teaching, and visiting with her extended family in England and Ireland. She traveled the world with her favorites being England, Ireland, Singapore, and river cruises in Europe.

Barbara will be remembered for her sense of humor, quick wit, intelligence (she was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast) and a lifetime of service to her community and church. Barbara was respected and loved by many; her family, friends, students, and colleagues. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, and the many children she had the pleasure to know through teaching.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday February 12th at 10 AM. The location is St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 9728 W Palmeras Dr., Sun City AZ 85373. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Barbara Fitzpatrick Scholarship Fund c/o St Vincent de Paul School, 3140 N 51st Ave, Phoenix AZ 85031.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greerwilsonchapel.com for the FITZPATRICK family.