Rev. Mary B. Fitzgerald

She is survived by her husband of 50-plus years, John E. Fitzgerald, and a sister Hazel Parker of Council Grove, KS.

Rev. Fitzgerald was predeceased in death by her parents Raymond & Gertrude Patterson of Grand Haven, MI, and siblings Raymond A. Patterson of Jacksonville, FL and Karen Hollerbach of Santa Maria, CA.

Rev. Fitzgerald was born and raised in Chicago, IL, graduating from Chicago Christian High School (1967). Rev. Fitzgerald attended Calvin College n/k/a Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree (1971). After graduation, Rev. Fitzgerald attended Western Michigan University, in Kalamazoo, MI, earning a master’s degree in Guidance & Counselling (1972). Rev. Fitzgerald accepted a position at Kenyon College in Ohio before electing to pursue a Doctorate in Psychology at the University of Northern Colorado, in Greely, Colorado. In 1974, Mary returned to Michigan to be closer to her elderly parents and accepted a position as Director of Citizens Probation Authority, a deferred prosecution program with the Kalamazoo County Court System. On February 21, 1974, she met her husband John, a practicing attorney in Kalamazoo County, MI. On March 22, 1975, she married John who was then serving as a Judge for Kalamazoo County, MI. Later, Rev. Fitzgerald became a member of the administrative staff for Nazareth College in Kalamazoo, MI, serving a Dean of Students. In 1982, Rev. Fitzgerald commenced her studies at Western Theological Seminary in Hollard, MI, earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1985. Upon Ordination as a Minister in the Reformed Church in America, Rev. Fitzgerald served as a Pastor for the Reformed Church of Plano, in Plano, TX. In 1989, Rev. Fitzgerald accepted a call to become the Pastor of Calvary Reformed Church in Southgate, MI. In 1996, Pastor Fitzgerald became the Senior Pastor of the Community Church of Glen Rock, in Glen Rock, NJ. In 1999, Rev. Fitzgerald and her husband relocated to Hillman, MI, building a home on property they had acquired on the Thunder Bay Golf Course. Rev. Fitzgerald later became Ordained as an Episcopal Priest, serving as the Priest-in-Charge at Calvary Episcopal Church in Hillman, MI where she served until retirement. After retirement, Rev. Fitzgerald continued in the ministry, serving as Interim Pastor for the Moddersville Reformed Church in Moddersville, MI, and subsequently as the Priest-in-Charge for Trinity Episcopal Church in Indian River, MI. Rev. Fitzgerald also provided Pulpit Supply, as a substitute Pastor, for various Reformed Church in America congregations as well as Episcopal congregations throughout lower Michigan.

At the time of her passing, Rev. Fitzgerald resided at Hillman’s Haven, an adult care facility in Hillman, MI, under the excellent and compassionate care of their staff and Hospice of Northern Michigan.

Before her illness, Mary enjoyed playing golf, working in the yard, and our dogs Sara & Skye.

Pursuant to her request, Rev. Fitzgerald remains have been cremated. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Calvary Episcopal Church in Hillman from 3-6 pm. Arrangements are being handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.

Rev. Fitzgerald and her husband requests that any remembrances or memorials be made to Hospice of Michigan, 199 Long Rapids Rd., Alpena, MI 49007.