Flora P. Fitzgerald

Florence Pauline Fitzgerald, 92, of Sydney peacefully made her journey to be with God surrounded by her loving family Saturday May 14th, 2011 At Cape Breton Regional Hospital followed by a brief illness.

She was the daughter of late John James and Mary (Kyte) MacDonald. She was a lifelong resident of the Sydney area, born in Birch Grove and moved as a young child to Grand Lake Road area attending Lakevale School. Following school, she continued to live at home for a couple of years caring for her mother. She married her husband Mike in 1946 and soon became a busy stay-at-home mother with eight children – five girls and three boys. She was very involved in her children’s activities and lives. She taught brownies and was one of the founding members of St. Theresa’s Parish CWL. She was a life-long supporter of Irish heritage and culture in Cape Breton and was an active member of the Irish Benevolent Society. Flora and Mike were instrumental in the establishment of what is known as the Fitzgerald School of Irish Dancing. One of Flora’s biggest contributions to the Irish was spending countless hours sewing shamrocks on the performance dresses and she organized the Irish displays and prepared her famous Irish Soda Bread and Fish Cakes for everyone to enjoy.

She was a fun humorous individual who loved attending gatherings with family and friends. She loved to tell jokes and always wanted to hear new ones so she could add to her repertoire. Her zest for life was evident in everything she did – she won many trophies and awards over the years playing darts and bowling. She enjoyed playing checkers with the 16 grandchildren and to the end she always made sure she got her exercise physically and mentally.

She was dearly loved and treasured. She touched the lives of all who knew her and she will be very sadly missed and fondly remembered by everyone.

She is survived by her husband Mike Fitzgerald of 64 years; her children and grandchildren -- Kevin (Shirla) Toronto; Michael (Jackie) - Sean, David and Kyle-Dartmouth; Mary Lou-Danna, Becky, Chad, London, Ontario; Kathie (Steve) -Melanie, Jeffery, Stephanie, Dartmouth; Theresa (Andy) -Ashley, Jenna, Amy, Calgary, Alberta; Renie-Lyndsey, Craig, Sydney; Terry (Tracey)-Lauren, Halifax, Elaine (Lawrence)-Victoria, Dartmouth. Mom is also survived by Blanche MacDonald, sister-in-law and life-long friend.

She was predeceased by her sisters Ellen and Catherine and brothers Charlie, George, John and Edward. The late Flora Fitzgerald will be resting at the T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel Monday May 16th from 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday, May 17th from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. funeral mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Wednesday May 18th at St. Theresa’s Church, Sydney with Father James Oliver officiating. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Osteoporosis Society. Online condolences can be sent to www.twcurry.com.

Arrangements under the direction of T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Sydney, NS.