Marlyse Kinder Fitzpatrick

Marlyse Reine Rose Alphonsine Kinder Fitzpatrick, 94, was born in Strasbourg France on 9/5/1927. Her father, Albert Kinder was Austrian-French and her mother, Marthe S Kinder was German though she was also born in Strasbourg. Marlyse held fond memories of her musical family. Her father entertained in local night clubs playing saxophone and on Sundays played the organ at the Catholic Church. Both her father (on the piano) and uncle (playing the violin) performed with the Strasbourg Symphony Orchestra. Marlyse and her family survived the Nazi occupation of France after the Germans stormed into Paris on June 14, 1940, Marlyse was 12 years old and Alsace had already been occupied in May 1940. France was liberated in November 1944, Marlyse was 17. In March, the following year she met and fell in love with Bill Fitzpatrick who was in Strasbourg investigating war crimes for the army. He swept her off her feet—not really sure who actually did the sweeping—none the less, they were married 8/31/1946 shortly before she turned 19 years old and moved to live with his parents in Rockbridge County, Virginia while he completed his college degree and she worked as a secretary at VMI. With her infectious laugh, vivacious and flirtatious essence, she could be quite the charmer. She was full-of-life and a tour de force in all that she did. Her children describe her as “fearless,” “strong-willed” and “determined.” She instilled in them good values and wisdom. While raising the children, she redefined the definition of being a “full-time homemaker.” She was always busy sewing clothes and doing other handiwork like needle point, knitting, tapestry and watercolor painting. In 1946 when Marlyse first arrived in the US, she barely knew how to boil water. But true-to-form, she mastered cooking with a French flair. As a self-taught chef she cooked fabulous meals with fish, pork loin, venison and even ratatouille for family and friends. If that was not enough, she made her own preserves, tomato juice, and filled the house with luscious aromas while baking her favorite sour dough bread. She was also a wine connoisseur, red wine especially. She spoke five languages fluently with no accents. Never lost her love of classical music that connected her to her family in France, but made space for appreciation of the contemporary stylings of singers like Frank Sinatra, Robert Goulet, and Andy Williams. She not only had a green thumb, her whole arm, up to her elbow, was green. She was truly a “plant whisperer.” She could make anything grow. She could root plants like nobody’s business, making her house plants and landscaped yard a sight to behold. Always athletic, she mastered anything she took on: golf, bowling, snow-skiing, and horseback riding. She bowled until she hit 90 years old. She learned to refinish furniture and re-upholster. Pregnant at 40 and doing cartwheels at 42, she amazed all who knew her. She loved to dance. Her 4'11 frame was small of stature, but with a little help from her ever-present, high-heeled shoes, she was larger than life. Her husband, Bill Fitzpatrick, passed in 2000. She lived alone until the end and continued to cook for herself every night, making full, delicious meals. When he was alive, Bill always took care of the finances and investments. After his death, she picked up the management of the household finances like a trained professional. She never lost her love of travel going to Morocco, Alaska, and of course trips to visit her family in France. She even traveled to China and Ireland with lady friends when she was 73 years old. The last week of her life was one of excitement for her and also dread. She had been exposed to a positive Covid aide and had to be tested. She was excited about the party we were having for her and her granddaughter in law as they share the same date of birth, but afraid she would not be able to attend. The worse thing that preyed on her mind was that she may have infected so many others. She had finally turned the corner after 2 months of not doing well. The test came back negative on Friday and it was joy once again! Unfortunately, she had terrible abdominal pain and had to go to ER. She died with all her family around her on her birthday holding on to her and each other. Not what we planned, but a celebration of her life and that we were all there with her. She is survived by daughters: Yvonne McGuffin (Ron ), Susie Harris (Cliff), Fitz Fitzpatrick, and a son, Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick (Jan); niece, Regine Ewald (Marc); nephews, Christophe Kinder (Yvonne) and Stephan Kinder; grandchildren, Chris McGuffin (Stephanie), Tim McGuffin (Katie), Kelly Harris Moore (Adam), Chad Harris (Becca); great grandchildren, Joshua, Luke, Cade, Rose, Faith, Noelle McGuffin, Charlie Brasch, Lydia, Nate Moore; great nephews, Alexandre, Edgar, Axel; great niece, Lawrence and their children.