Alice Barbara (O’Donnell) Fitzgerald, 79, of Renton, Washington was surrounded by her children when she peacefully and gracefully passed on January 28, 2021. Born on January 19, 1942, in Jamaica, Queens, New York. She is preceded in death by her husband of 23 years, John Joseph Fitzgerald (1987), her eldest son, John Leo Fitzgerald (2013) and O’Donnell siblings: Leo, Joseph, Gertrude, George, Dennis, and Frances. She is survived by five children, Eileen Fitzgerald, Brian Fitzgerald, Nora (Donald) MacKenzie, Kevin Fitzgerald and Karen (Wayne) Ledbetter. Surviving siblings Marie Callahan, Ethel Tetrault, Phillip O’Donnell and Theresa Kaliner.
Alice was the daughter of Leo and Gertrude O’Donnell and the 9th of 11 children. Alice and her siblings grew up behind the family florist (Gertrude’s Florist) on Jamaica Avenue in New York. Alice graduated from Dominican Commercial Catholic High School in January of 1960. Soon after graduating, Alice began working at Scandinavian Airlines where she met her future husband, John J. Fitzgerald. Alice and John enjoyed being the parents of 6 children, Eileen, John, Brian, Nora, Kevin and Karen.
In the mid-1970’s, the family moved across the country from New York and settled in Renton, Washington where Alice was a very busy stay at home mom. She spent many hours chauffeuring around her kids and many neighborhood kids to soccer, piano lessons, football, cheerleading, church classes, dance lessons, karate, matinee movies, softball, picnics and swim lessons. Her days were filled with child-centered activities and sit-down dinners with the family.
In the 1980’s Alice returned to working outside of the home with The Renton School District as an administrative assistant. For years Alice was the lead substitute coordinator for the district. Lifelong friendships were established and many district employees knew Alice for her friendly personality and ability to magically juggle substitutes. In the mid 1990’s Alice transferred to the Maintenance Department where she thoroughly enjoyed the work crew and laughter that filled her days. Alice retired in 2007 and committed her free time to being a full-time grandma.
In the early 1990’s Alice welcomed the first of what would be 8 grandchildren: Matthew, Brandon, Zachary, Peyton, Talia, Drew, Leo and Adelaide. She became known as “Grandma Alice” and her heart was overjoyed with every new addition to the family. She was truly a hands-on and loving grandma who spent most of her retired days with her grandchildren. Grandma Alice could often be found playing at the park, treating grandkids to ice-cream, cheering at a sporting event, attending open swim, reading from her Dr. Suess book collection or just hanging out telling funny stories about her childhood.
Although miles away from New York, Alice’s heart always remained close to friends and family on the East coast. She knew that they were always a phone call or a handwritten letter away.
Alice was a dedicated parishioner at St. Stephen’s The Martyr Catholic Church in Renton for over 50 years. Her close friends from St. Stephen's were always there to share in prayer, give support or enjoy laughter.
Alice lived her life with joy, courage, strength, grace, love and faith. She touched many hearts with her smile, love of life and warm hugs. She will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Alice’s honor to NAMI-Eastside www.nami-eastside.org/donate or St. Stephen’s The Martyr Food Bank Program www.ststephenlife.co
To virtually attend funeral Mass for Alice on February18th, 2021 , please click on the link below. Tribute slide show and prelude will begin at 10:50am with Mass to begin at 11am.
https://ststephenslife.com/holy-mass-live-stream
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