Shirley Ann FitzgeraldShirley Ann Fitzgerald, of Warsaw, passed away unexpectedly at 8:08 a.m. on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at her residence at the age of 77.
She was born on July 15, 1943, in Plymouth, to Dorothy Maxine Hart Zehner and Carl August Zehner. Born and raised in Plymouth, she was also a 1961 graduate of Plymouth High School. In 1963, she was married to James A. Fitzgerald; though they divorced they still shared the love for their three children.
Shirley moved to Warsaw in 1963 and made it her home. Her first job, which she never stopped doing, was being Mom. In 1973, she started working at Kimble Glass in Warsaw. She worked as a packer and after 33 years of dedicated and loyal service, she retired in 2006. Shirley always kept busy and enjoyed a daily journal, scrapbooks, traveling and she LOVED her children and grandchildren. She passed so suddenly but there is no doubt she lived a full life, and the proof is in her children and grandchildren. Shirley left so many memories in her 77 years for her family to remember her by and she will be dearly missed and forever loved.
She will be lovingly remembered by her son: A.J. (Johnna Rainwater) Fitzgerald, Warsaw; two daughters: Brenda Hale, Warsaw; Teresa (Brad) Kissinger, Kimmell; 10 grandchildren: Anthony, Brandon, LaKota, Carly, Jimmy, Heather, Jessica, Vincent, Chera and Chasidy; and five great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her mother, Dorothy Zehner, Plymouth; four brothers: Roger (Mary Jane) Zehner, Dunlap, Iowa; Bill Zehner, Omaha, Neb.; Dick Zehner, Monroe, Ga.; Randy (Wanda) Zehner, Conroe, Texas; and her sister, Bev Green, Plymouth.
She was preceded in death by her father, Carl Zehner.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 28 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Shirley’s life will be celebrated immediately following visitation at 1 p.m. at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home and officiated by Pastor William Whitaker. A graveside service will follow at Oakhill Cemetery of Plymouth.
*****
Memorial donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division – Northwest Indiana Office, 130 Red Coach Drive, Mishawaka, IN 46545.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
