Grace Annette Fitzpatrick's Obituary
Grace Annette Fitzpatrick, age 99, of Spring Lake, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 3, 2011, at an assisted living home, after a long and fruitful life. She was born December 15, 1911, in Evart, MI to Rev. Elbert O. and Mary (Wells) Mather.
Her father was called to different churches every 3 years due to a Methodist Church practice, so Grace lived in Buchanan, Sparta, Pentwater, Lyons, and finally Albion as a child. She attended Albion College for both her Batchelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Chemistry. Her first teaching positions were in Johannesburg and LeRoy, MI. She was recuited from LeRoy to teach at the Spring Lake Schools by Superintendent Holmes in 1938. She taught Math and the Physical Sciences and tutored Math and Latin during the summers.
On June 19, 1942, while visiting her sister in Sault Saint Marie, she met John (Pat) Fitzpatrick, who was a soldier stationed at Ft. Brady. They were married six weeks later. After their children were school-age, she continued her career in Spring Lake at Holmes Elementary School teaching her dear 4th graders until her retirement in 1976. She enjoyed bowling, bridge, reading, and doing needlework. She volunteered at the Red Cross after retirement and was a member of Christ Community Church.
Grace is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Abigail Fitzpatrick of Spring Lake; and a son, John E. (Sharon) Fitzpatrick of West Olive; three granddaughters: Cassandra (Heath) Heyblom, Molly (Jim) Curtis, and Audra (Curt) Cook. She is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Joyce Mather of Albion; and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, “Pat” John J. Fitzpatrick in 1988, her mother in 1926, her father in 1933, her brothers Vernum and George, and her sister Mabel.
At Grace’s request, no public service will be held. A private graveside service for Grace will be held at the Spring Lake Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Hospice of North Ottawa Community will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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