Mary Elizabeth FitzGerald (Kelley) was born August 21, 1936 in Janesville, WI to Joseph and Cecilia Kelley.  She leaves behind two sons – Timothy James FitzGerald and Sean Edward FitzGerald and his wife Cecelia FitzGerald, granddaughters Lauren Scott, Vicknes and Vinitha Vijayarengan and grandsons Ryan and Ethan FitzGerald.

While in college at Marquette University, Mary met Donald (Dee) Edward FitzGerald.  After she graduated, she became a school teacher in downtown Milwaukee.   She and Dee wed in 1960. Dee practiced dentistry with the US Navy and was ultimately stationed in Norfolk, VA on the USS Boxer. It was during that time that they were able to adopt Sean.  Four years later, in Groton, CT, they adopted Tim.  After a series of moves, they arrived in California – ultimately buying a home in Lake Forest (El Toro) CA where she and Dee resided for 48 years.

Mary loved being a Navy wife.  She enjoyed the travel and the entertaining that came with being an officer's spouse.  Mary refined her cooking skills through the many dinners they hosted over the years.  She regularly took cooking classes – even some with Dee. She loved to cook and while Sean and Tim were growing up, the response to "What's for dinner tonight?" was "We are trying something new tonight!"  Due to this, Tim and Sean developed a wide range of tastes and preferences for food.

Mary was a dedicated mother.  She stayed home throughout the time Sean and Tim were growing up.  She regularly attended their sporting events and was their Uber to practices.

Mary never stopped her passion for teaching and volunteered as a teacher for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL).  She did this for 34 years and made many friends with students and co-workers.  Mary and Dee also had a passion for theatre and philanthropy. They supported several foundations and arts programs. They loved attending plays at the Segerstrom and Laguna Playhouse.

While in the Navy, Mary and Dee were given opportunities to travel to Asia, Europe, Canada and Mexico.  They had a tradition of going to New York every year on Thanksgiving and spend a long weekend with friends visiting and seeing plays.  They loved travelling and continued to do so in retirement until Dee's passing in 2017.

Mary was very relational. She was involved in the lives of her five grandchildren, taking them to plays or museums and just being with them.  Of her many friends, she enjoyed getting together with them for lunches or visits when she wasn't teaching.   She was warm, supportive and generous.   She made an impact on people she met with her engaging smile and her sweet laughter.  She will truly be missed by all.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at Santiago de Compostela - 21682 Lake Forest Dr, Lake Forest, CA -  at 10:00 AM on January 24, 2025. Mary will be laid to rest with her husband in Arlington Cemetery in Virginia later this year. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America or your favorite charity.