Marlene Fitzpatrick

Marlene I. Fitzpatrick was a fun-loving woman who took her family seriously. She cared for them, stayed close to them, and made them laugh. Simple pleasures gave her great joy, and she appreciated the little things in life. The way Marlene lived let those around her know what was important: faith and family.

Marlene’s story began at a time when the United States was cautiously watching events unfold in Europe, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt was encouraging Americans with his Fireside Chats. Families had come through the challenges of economic depression with a strong work ethic and a determination to make life better for their children. One such couple was Ernest and Anna (Schafer) Fox, who raised their children in rural Michigan. Ernest held down two jobs: delivering milk by truck and maintaining track for Grand Trunk Railroad. Anna had her hands full with eight children before Marlene was born on September 4, 1940 in Fowler, Michigan.

All nine children grew up in the village of Pewamo, where Marlene attended Catholic Elemetary School and Pewamo High School. Having graduated with honors, Marlene was well prepared for the challenges that awaited her in the work force. In total, she worked eleven years at the Ionia State Hospital before beginning a family of her own.

In her mid twenties, Marlene’s sister and brother-in-law introduced her to a young farmer named Larry Fitzpatrick. He and Marlene first went on a blind date, but there were many more in the two years that their love and commitment grew. On May 4, 1968, they made their vows in Marlene’s hometown of Pewamo. The newlyweds set up housekeeping in a trailer on the farm that belonged to Larry’s family. Then they moved to an apartment in Fowler, during which time their daughter Jill was born. In 1972, they settled into a home on Francis Road in DeWitt, where the birth of their son, Todd, completed the family portrait.

As a mother, Marlene took a “matter of fact” attitude that taught her children how to be practical. She cared for her family, attended church regularly, stayed close with her siblings (especially Jean) and spent time with her nieces and nephews. She loved to go out shopping with them, fix favorite foods—like chicken or potato soup for the grandkids—play cards and do crossword puzzles at home, drink the occasional beer, tend to her cats or watch Wheel of Fortune game show on TV. She was a big fan of host Pat Sajak and a true “Wheel Watcher.”

Marlene’s humor and sarcasm made life fun for her family. They gave her the nickname, “Toots,” and everyone called her that. However it came about, one thing was certain—Toots was a name of endearment.

It was a sad day when Marlene was diagnosed with cancer, yet for ten years, she battled it with great courage. In February 2010, she was found to have developed another cancer that claimed her life just six weeks from the diagnosis. Marlene died Sunday, March 14, 2010 at the age of 69.

Marlene’s family will always cherish the way she stood up for her grandchildren, the pride she took in her son’s military service in Iraq, and the love and attention that embraced them all.

Marlene I. Fitzpatrick is survived by her husband Larry and their children, Jill (Paul) DeLiso and Todd (Jamie) Fitzpatrick; grandchildren, Trevor Murphy, Dana and Ben DeLiso; sister, Alda (Claude) Salisbury and brother, Paul (Helen) Fox. Preceding her in death are her parents, sisters, Alma Bannerman, Jean Burns, Alice Schneider, brothers, Jerome, Don and Clare Fox. Mass of the Christian burial will be at 10:30 AM, Thursday, March 18, 2010, at The Catholic Community of St. Jude in Dewitt, MI with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop presiding. Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Lansing, following the luncheon. The family will receive friends at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass Street, St. Johns, MI on Wednesday 2-4 and 6-8 PM, with rosaries prayed at 3 and 7 PM. Memorials may be made in Marlene’s memory to the charity of family’s choice. To learn more about Marlene and view her Life Story film, visit her personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/57044, where you may share a memory or photo, and sign her guest book.