Eileen Nolan Fitzgerald

Eileen Nolan Fitzgerald of Aurora, NY died Thursday, October 11, 2018 at her home surrounded by her loving family.  Eileen was born on December 13, 1932 in the Town of Venice, the daughter of the late Henry and Gertrude Bowness Nolan. She has resided in Aurora most of her life.

Eileen attended the Sherwood School and received her degree in Education from SUNY Cortland in 1954.  Following graduation, she accepted a teaching position with the King Ferry School District.  She was a gifted and inspiring educator and she positively influenced the lives of her students.  She also became a mentor to other teachers as well.  After many years of teaching in schools from King Ferry to Long Island she founded a preschool at the Cayuga/Onondaga BOCES.  Eileen was instrumental in establishing an Early Childhood Education Program at Cayuga County Community College.  She was an instructor in the program for 25 years.

Eileen was also active in the community.  In 1971 she was the first woman elected to the Southern Cayuga Central School Board of Education and served on the board for 10 years. In addition, she served on the Cayuga County BOCES Board for 19 years.  She also served on the Boards of the United Way, Unity House, Southern Cayuga Food Pantry and the Battered Women’s Advisory Board .  In addition, she was a member of the selection committee for the Koon and Lacey Scholarship funds. 

She received a number of awards acknowledging her community service.  In 1996 the Aurora Rotary Club named her “Person of the Year”.  In that same year the Cayuga County Legislature proclaimed April 13th as “Eileen Fitzgerald Day” in recognition of her unselfish service to the people of Cayuga County.  In 1996                    

United States Congressman Amo Houghton appointed her to the United States Service Academy Selection Committee.

Eileen was a lifelong communicant of St. Patrick’s Church of Aurora and served on many committees of the church.

Eileen accomplished much in her professional life yet, at the same time, she was a devoted wife and friend for 63 years to her husband Bob and a supportive and loving mother to her 4 children.  Her favorite moments were when she spent time with her 11 grandchildren proudly watching them grow.

Surviving is:

Husband:                  Robert E. Fitzgerald, Aurora, NY

3 Sons:                      Gary J. Fitzgerald (Kim) of Easton, NY

                                    Brian R. Fitzgerald of Stow, MA

                                    Michael D. Fitzgerald (Ann) of Marblehead, MA

1 Daughter:             Maureen N. Fitzgerald of Westerly, RI

11 Grandchildren:  Emma, Eleanor, Madeline, Kellie, Charlotte, Evan, Jack, Sam,                         

                                    Eliza, Jake and Anna

2 Brothers:               Robert Nolan

                                    James Nolan (Patricia)

3 Sisters:                   Betty McGarry

                                    Ruth Fedrizzi

                                    Marcia McGee (Thomas)

Many nieces and nephews

In addition to her parents Eileen was predeceased by 2 sisters: Monica Nolan and Ann McDonald, 2 brothers:   William and David Nolan.

The Fitzgerald family will receive friends on Sunday, October 14, 2018 from 4:00-7:00PM in St. Patrick’s Church, 299 Main St., Aurora, NY.  Interment will take place in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Aurora, NY

Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Patrick’s Church on Monday, October 15, 2018 at 11:00AM.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to The Eileen N. Fitzgerald Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 165, Aurora, NY 13026 or to The Hospice of the Finger Lakes, 119 Corporate Dr., Auburn, NY 13021 in memory of Eileen N. Fitzgerald.

The Shakelton Funeral Home, 48 South St., Auburn, NY is in charge of arrangements.

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