Mary Jo Fitzgerald

Mary J. “Jo” Fitzgerald, age 66, of Westminster, died Saturday, September 16th, 2023 at home surrounded by her family. Born April 10, 1957 in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late Jo Ann (Kaszak) Bozentka and Emil Elberskirch, sister of the late Karen Elberskirch, step-daughter of the late Mitchell “Rube” Bozentka, and granddaughter of the late Helen and John Kaszak. She was the wife of Brian Paul Fitzgerald. Jo determined she would marry Brian when she first saw him in the 5th grade after transferring to Sykesville Middle school. Over their 45-year marriage, Jo and Brian found great reward in raising their sons and watching them grow into men of whom she was proud. Jo was a consistent presence in her sons’ lives, from cheering on the sidelines of rec, high school, and college lacrosse and football fields, to watching her sons start their own families with her daughters-in-law whom she loved dearly. She often said her life’s greatest treasures were her boys and their ability to make her laugh. Another priority for Jo was ensuring that her feet ‘touched the sand’ in Ocean City at least once a year. Jo’s love of the beach was rooted in childhood vacation memories shared with her cousins, which were often recounted and reminisced over crab feasts. Not content to only accept nostalgia, as adults Jo and her cousins often coordinated their beach trips to ensure that they and their children had opportunities to make new memories, just as they did many years ago. Any excuse for a family reunion, whether in Ocean City or to watch an Orioles or Ravens game, delighted Jo. She often replicated family recipes including crab cakes, Maryland crab soup, and cream of crab soup for friends and family. She loved music, especially Elvis Presley, and sought to swing dance with Brian at any occasion, often in the dining room or kitchen of their home. She learned sewing from her grandmother Helen and sought new challenges through her many quilting and embroidery projects, including making wedding ring quilts for her daughters-in-law. Gifting brought Jo great joy, as she sought to ensure every birthday and holiday was a special and magical occasion for her children and grandchildren. When not busy with her hobbies, Jo frequently enjoyed the comfort of a cozy fire in the fireplace stoked by Brian.. Jo was a graduate of Catonsville Community College’s nursing program which she completed while working part time and raising her two boys. Her retirement in 2020 ended her 25-year career as a registered nurse. After beginning her career as a floor nurse, Jo transitioned to a focus on utilization management nursing and liaison nursing. She collaborated with care professionals to evaluate patients at multiple hospitals throughout the area to ensure that they received the highest level of care and rehab services, while facilitating the communication between patients, families, and care providers. Jo was a fierce advocate for her patients and their families in all of her nursing roles. As a champion for the medical autonomy of children and parents, she regularly volunteered her time to testify at the State House in Annapolis to influence legislative changes within Maryland. Prior to nursing, Jo held a variety of jobs including administrative assistant for a settlement attorney, school bus driver, hospital switchboard operator, emergency room clerk, and most importantly, a stay-at-home mom. Her survivors include her loving husband, Brian Fitzgerald; sons and their spouses, John and Elizabeth Fitzgerald, and Joseph and Elizabeth Fitzgerald; and four grandchildren, Evan, James, Sarah and Owen Fitzgerald. She was predeceased by her mother Jo Ann, step-father Rube, father Emil, and sister Karen. The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 8th, 2023, from 10 - 11 AM. at Haight Funeral Home & Chapel, 6416 Sykesville Road, Sykesville, MD where a celebration of life service will follow at 11 AM. Donations in Jo’s memory are welcome, and may be sent to BridgingLife Hospice Care’s “Legacy Projects” program, at https://gratitude.lifebridgehealth.org/page/28430/donate/1?locale=en-US which seeks to provide patients, families and children comfort by establishing a physical item that can be seen, heard, read, or touched and treasured for generations.

Mary Jo Fitzgerald

April 10, 1957 - September 16, 2023