Verna Ann Fitzgerald

Verna Grafeld Fitzgerald, 83, of West New York, NJ passed November 25, 2025 after a brief illness. She is predeceased by her husband, John (Jack) Fitzgerald and her parents, Theodore and Helen Grafeld. She is survived by her brother Frederick and his wife Dee, six step-children (Susan, Scott, Carol, Cindy, David and Nancy), eight grandchildren, and seven great-grand children.

What a life she lived! Born in 1942, Verna was raised on the lower east side of NYC and Secaucus NJ. After enjoying her teenage years in the quintessential 1950s, she moved to NYC. It was there she enjoyed a fabulous career working for iconic entertainment companies including the Ed Sullivan Show, MGM, and Paramount. And yes, she saw the Beatles and Rolling Stones’ historic performances on the Ed Sullivan stage up-close! Verna married the love of her life in 1977 and they chose West New York, NJ as their permanent home with the NYC skyline as their backdrop.

Quilting was her passion and giving them to others was her love language. Throughout the years, she handcrafted and gifted personalized quilts celebrating all types of occasions for countless people. She lived by the Quilter mantra, “The quilter who dies with the most fabric wins.” Well folks, we may have a winner!

Aside from her family, she loved cats, old movies, a good meal out, a bargain, and the NY Times crossword. Most importantly, she cherished her life-long friends from high school, her work, her building, and church.

Verna often said that her biggest regret was not speaking to her idol Judy Garland when given the chance. So in essence, what she really meant by relaying this story is a lesson she leaves with all of us… grab your opportunities when presented.

A memorial service and gathering will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 12-4pm at Leber Funeral home/Mack Memorial Home, 1245 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus NJ 07094.

In a tribute to Verna’s passion: if you were a lucky recipient of a quilt from Verna, please bring to the Service for show and tell. She loved when her quilts were ooohed and aahed and enjoyed by her friends and family.